The German government is pivoting away from a blanket decommissioning of DSL technology, according to Digital Minister Karsten Wildberger. Speaking to the Funke-Mediengruppe newspapers, Wildberger emphasized the need to prioritize “switching things on” rather than simply shutting them down, a strategy he described as having been employed too frequently in the past.
The current focus is on accelerating the rollout of fiber optic infrastructure. This expansion is being spurred by declaring it a matter of overriding public interest and streamlining the approval processes involved. However, the adoption rate for fiber remains a challenge. Wildberger noted that only roughly 25% of customers currently opt for fiber when it’s offered, attributing this to the historical reliance on copper-based technologies like DSL. Currently, approximately 50% of German households have access to fiber optic connections, with the government aiming to reach 70% by the end of the legislative period.
Recent criticism of fiber rollout plans has emerged from the housing sector, which the Minister acknowledged as important. While recognizing these concerns, Wildberger defended the government’s direction, stating the necessity of setting priorities, even when not universally embraced. He added that achieving significant progress frequently demands navigating complex pathways which don’t always follow a direct route.
