EC approves EUR3bn German broadband scheme

The European Commission (EC) says it has approved Germany’s proposal for a national support scheme for the rollout of next generation access (NGA) broadband networks throughout the country, including in rural areas. Under the EUR3 billion (USD3.4 billion) programme, private telecoms operators and municipalities can apply for funding in target areas where only basic broadband access is available and where there are no private investment plans to develop NGA in the coming three years. The scheme’s objective is to establish networks that are capable of delivering download speeds of at least 30Mbps, and in most cases 50Mbps, to households and businesses. Funding can be provided for projects that engage in significant investment in networks with substantial improvement in service levels. ‘This aid scheme will make faster broadband services available also in areas of Germany where private investment is lacking,’ commented Margrethe Vestager, EU Commissioner in charge of competition policy, adding: ‘At the same time it ensures that consumers have a choice. It also shows that EU state aid rules enable Member States to work with the Commission to stimulate investment in infrastructure to create a true Digital Single Market.’