Fast internet for Cochem-Zell: Progress in broadband expansion

Fast internet for Cochem-Zell: Progress in broadband expansion

in the idyllic Rhineland-Palatinate, where the landscape of gentle hills, slim vineyards and deep forests is characterized, there is a topic that causes many worries: fast internet. The Cochem-Zell region, known for its picturesque views and as one of the strongest areas characterized by tourism, has difficulties in expanding broadband. Despite the beauty of the surroundings, the topography for fast internet connections is a big hurdle.

The challenges are diverse. The spokesman for the district administration explains that the narrow valleys, the steep slopes and the sensitive landscape protection areas make it difficult to expand broadband supply. As a result, companies and municipalities in the district face major logistical and technical difficulties. And although the network operators advertise customers and try to offer fiber optic connections, it is unclear whether this is actually the best way to solve the existing problem.

innovative approach for broadband expansion

The circle has found a solution that will hopefully be relieved. With a new expansion concept and in cooperation with its own society and a municipal solidara pact, Cochem-Zell is aiming to achieve a nationwide gigabit supply by 2028. This plan represents a significant U -turn after criticism has repeatedly been made that the expansion progresses too slowly.

A decisive basis for this progress is the funding that has already been promised of 52.2 million euros from the federal and state governments for Gigabitausbau. Cochem-Zell is one of the few counties in Rhineland-Palatinate who have received such funding commitments. This means that the municipality is now able to initiate the necessary steps for network expansion. The Europe -wide tender for awarding the order is already underway.

With this new strategy, the circle is optimistic. The expansion could not only improve digital infrastructure, but also create the basis for future developments in the field of economy. A spokesman for the IHK working group Rhineland-Palatinate emphasizes that the future needs of the company can only be covered by real fiber optic connections. He warns that a delayed expansion could lead to a dangerous investment backlog.

While Cochem-Zell is making progress, there are also other counties in Rhineland-Palatinate who are waiting for a comparable support. The district of Neuwied receives, for example, over 35 million euros for Gigabitausbau, as part of the federal government's "gray spots program". This shows that it is necessary to continue to emphasize the extensive expansion of powerful networks in order not to fall behind in the markets dependent on digitization.

Although the district of Cochem-Zell is on the right track, it should be noted that the gigabit supply in the region can still be expanded compared to other counties. The Westerwaldkreis and Altenkirchen are even worse here. The supply of fiber optic connections has so far been insufficient in these regions-with only 2.1 % in Cochem-Zell, 5.1 % in the Altenkirchen district and 3.9 % in the Westerwald district. In contrast, the district of Ahrweiler has a considerable value of 47.5 %.

In order to promote digitization and broadband expansion nationwide, it is urgently needed that approval procedures are accelerated and the existing funding programs are simplified. These measures could contribute to the fact that the required access to fast internet is implemented across the board and ultimately promoted economic progress in the affected regions.