grid expansion
Criticism of temporary stop of gigabit funding
A fiber optic cable is laid. photo
© Peter Kneffel/dpa
Federal funding for the expansion of Internet lines was more than welcome in the municipalities. But temporarily there will be none.
The opposition has sharply criticized the temporary freeze on federal gigabit funding for the expansion of high-speed Internet. Many municipalities were hit “like a blow” without warning, said left-wing digital politician Anke Domscheit-Berg on Friday in the Bundestag. At the very least, municipalities that have already submitted applications would be given preferential consideration in the next funding period. It shouldn’t happen that regions with the slowest internet have to wait any longer.
For the Union faction, the CSU MP Reinhard Brandl spoke of a “further frontal attack of the traffic lights on rural areas”. The coalition cannot say that there is no money. The AfD MP Joana Cotar spoke of a “completely wrong signal” from the federal government. Instead of a watering can principle, particularly disadvantaged areas should have priority when it comes to funding.
Digital Minister Volker Wissing (FDP) declared on Wednesday that the three billion euros in funding available for the expansion of the fiber optic network this year had been exhausted. He evaluated the great demand from the municipalities as proof of the success of the funding program. This is to be continued next year.
Parliamentary State Secretary Daniela Kluckert (FDP) said in the current hour in the Bundestag that it was good news that the funds had been called up. The broadband expansion should also be promoted with subsidies. A solution for old applications should also be found.