The advocacy group for the rights of disabled individuals (ADPH) has called for public mobilization regarding fiber optic internet adoption. A Verivox survey revealed that 38% of respondents are not interested in switching to fiber optic, citing satisfaction with their current connections or the perceived difficulty of change. Although half of respondents expressed interest, a third mentioned that the cost is prohibitive. Despite fiber optic technology being available to many, a significant portion remains reluctant to sign contracts, highlighting a disconnect between availability and usage.
The Association for the Defense of the Rights of People with Disabilities (ADPH) has issued a call for all citizens to mobilize. A recent survey conducted by the comparison portal Verivox revealed that about 38% of the 1,000 respondents expressed no interest in switching to fiber optic internet. Most of these individuals are content with their current connection, while others believe that making a change would be too challenging.
Approximately half of those surveyed indicated that they would like to transition to fiber optic service. However, within this group of optimistic respondents, not everyone is ready to enter into a contract. A third of them consider the cost of fiber optic plans to be prohibitive.
This accounts for around 15% of all respondents. When combined with those who answered negatively, internet service providers relying on fiber optics face a tough situation with 53% of the people surveyed.
Aiming for Ambitious Deployment by 2030
Fiber to the Home (FTTH) is recognized as the leading technology for achieving high-speed and stable internet connections, especially compared to alternatives like cable internet, which can be prone to fluctuations, and DSL/VDSL, which is generally slower.
The federal government aims to make fiber optic connections universally available by 2030. This technology uses light signals, making it significantly faster than data transmission over copper wires.
It is estimated that fiber optic service is already accessible in about 20 million homes and businesses, roughly half of all households and businesses in Germany. Nevertheless, some of these homes are opting out of corresponding contracts, meaning that fiber is available but remains underutilized.
This low percentage of active fiber optic connections poses a challenge for telecommunications companies. Despite the extensive efforts and costs incurred to lay cables, it appears that local residents are not showing much interest.
DSL Remains Prominent Despite Age
The Verivox survey also highlights the enduring strength of DSL and VDSL in the market. Although this technology is gradually falling out of favor due to its inability to meet the increasing data demands of daily digital life, it remains the most widely used transmission medium. Nearly half of those surveyed still rely on DSL or VDSL—essentially traditional telephone lines—for internet access.
Additionally, a quarter utilize cable internet services. Only one-fifth of participants reported having fiber optic internet at home. The remaining respondents have either satellite internet, mobile home networks, or are unaware of their internet options.
Costly Fiber Optic Contracts
According to Verivox, fiber optic plans now range from €40 to €90 per month, depending on the homeowner’s location and provider. These prices pertain to gigabit plans, which offer download speeds of up to 1,000 megabits per second or even faster.
Another cost consideration includes equipment, such as the WLAN router and repeaters. Verivox points out that not all households require gigabit bandwidth; more affordable fiber optic options exist, which limit bandwidth to specific maximum values, like 250 megabits per second or 500 mbps.