Germany Urges Affordable Fiber Optic Prices as Copper Internet Phaseout Begins
Germany's Federal Digital Ministry is urging affordable fiber optic internet prices as the nation transitions away from copper-based connections. Currently, around 25 million households, businesses, and institutions still rely on internet via telephone lines.
As of late 2022, a significant 63.1 percent of German internet connections were based on telephone lines, with only 15.5 percent using pure fiber optics (FTTH). The EU Commission had initially aimed for a copper shutdown by 2030, but this target has proven unfeasible. Now, a full shutdown is expected between 2035 and 2040, region by region, with some areas potentially starting as early as 2028.
Federal Digital Minister Karsten Wildberger stresses the importance of competitive prices for fiber optic internet. The goal is to prevent consumers from facing double costs by phasing out old networks once new ones are established. The ministry is encouraging consumers to switch to FTTH connections. In 2021, Deutsche Telekom, Germany's largest telecommunications company, held the largest share of internet connections via telephone lines (DSL).
The Federal Digital Ministry is advocating for attractive fiber optic internet prices as Germany moves away from copper-based connections. With around 25 million users still relying on telephone lines, the transition is expected to take place region by region, with no nationwide shutdown date set. The ministry aims to encourage consumers to adopt FTTH connections, with the goal of avoiding double costs once old networks are decommissioned.
