The expansion of fast internet in Germany is stalling – and it’s intentional. Because turbo internet is “only wanted by nerds”.
Although Germany likes to see itself as a pioneer in the use and expansion of new technologies, we are lagging far behind in the expansion of the broadband network. There are still some rural areas where not even a proper DSL connection is offered.
But even in urban areas, the expansion of the broadband network in Germany is rather poor. In many cities, a connection of 100 Mbit/s is already the limit. Those who want to go faster on the internet have to pay a premium – if that option even exists.
In comparison, other countries are much further ahead. In South Korea, many cities offer speeds of 1 GBit/s for around €20 per month. In Germany, however, a fraction of that speed (around 50 MBit/s) often costs the same price.
German network operators hesitate – and it’s intentional
This raises the question: Have cable operators in Germany simply missed the new technologies?
Apparently not. The lack of faster internet is pure intention. This was confirmed a few days ago by the CFO of Tele Columbus, Franz Posnanski. In a press talk on November 21 in Berlin, he stated:
“More would already be possible with Docsis 3.0. We could already offer 800 MBit/s. But no one wants it. Data rates of 1 GBit/s would only be taken by the nerds, then it’s game over.”
In about 5 years, that would look different. Currently, however, it is about the providers catering to the customers “market-fit” – meaning they only offer what a large part of the customers actually wants.
Meanwhile, Deutsche Telekom is further expanding vectoring, which means that most households can currently only be supplied with “only” 100 MBit/s. If one believes Posnanski’s words, transmission rates of 800 Mbit/s or more would already be possible.
However, they are not completely inactive. At least Unitymedia has already started expanding, although so far only in Bochum. In the coming years, they plan to extend this overhaul to other areas.
What is your view on the topic of broadband network expansion? Does Posnanski have a point and are the current transmission rates completely sufficient? Or would you be one of the “nerds” who would already take advantage of 1 GBit/s?
