Sluggish Expansion of Broadband will be a Focus in the Election Battle, according to SPD

The Social Democratic Party (SPD) has proposed a radical shift in the approach to broadband network expansion in Germany, with digital policy spokesman Jens Zimmermann advocating for a complete state takeover of the process.

In light of the ineffectiveness of private companies in expanding broadband networks, Zimmermann has called for a stronger role of the state. This proposal, submitted by the SPD parliamentary group, suggests that the state could manage the entire process of broadband network expansion, from planning to execution.

The proposal includes a network expansion plan, private contract awards, and providers renting the networks. This approach aims to address the significant need for catch-up in Germany to ensure comprehensive coverage with fast internet access.

Zimmermann's proposal is a response to the indication of a potential "obvious market failure" in infrastructure expansion. The federal government, which has been trying to fix the issue of inadequate broadband coverage with a lot of money, has not seen significant progress, according to Zimmermann's proposal.

This state-led approach could help keep the goal of comprehensive gigabit networks by 2025 in sight. The SPD will submit this proposal regarding broadband expansion with an eye on the Bundestag election program.

In the case of an "obvious market failure" in infrastructure expansion, a stronger role of the public hand could be indicated in policy. This proposal, if accepted, would mean that broadband network expansion would be managed by the state, not private companies like Telekom and its competitors.

This shift in approach is seen as a potential solution to the significant need for catch-up in Germany to ensure comprehensive coverage with fast internet access. The SPD's digital policy spokesman, Jens Zimmermann, believes that this proposal could help Germany bridge the digital gap and ensure that all citizens have access to high-speed internet.