The German Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure (BMVI) said that municipalities or districts can apply for funding from the federal government to expand fibre-optic networks in so-called grey spots, meaning areas with an internet service below 100 Mbps. So far, only areas with an internet speed below 30 Mbps, so-called white spots, were eligible for funding.
Schools, hospitals, small and medium-sized companies, industrial areas, local authorities and transportation hubs such as ports or train stations are now also eligible for funding. The government plans to provide subsidies for connections by satellite or radio relay technology, too. It wants to fund the purchase of technical equipment and its installation. The government has provided EUR12 billion to support broadband expansion. Around EUR 8.3 billion have been approved for 2,180 expansion projects in white spots to build 2.6 million connections. Around 11,000 schools, at least 145 hospitals and 710 industrial parks are receiving funding.
