Telekom Deutschland could conceivably acquire smaller cable operators such as Telecolumbus or Primacom in the near future, German news magazine Focus reported, citing the national operator's CEO, Niek Jan van Damme. In an interview, he said Telekom Deutschland is looking closely at the television cable market and is keeping its buying options open, but any acquisition must be a good fit.
He said the central government would have to provide EUR 10 billlion in order for Germany to achieve a nationwide internet service at 50 Mbps for 90 percent of the population. Van Damme said to cover the remaining 10 percent with DSL internet, including rural areas, it would require another EUR 15 billion. In the next two years, it will be possible to reach 65 percent of homes, said the CEO. Beyond this, it depends on the political conditions. He said no rival would be prepared to provide services in the countryside without subsidies, either.
