Fiber optic offensive started: Mörlenbach paves the way for fast internet!

Fiber optic offensive started: Mörlenbach paves the way for fast internet!

The fiber optic expansion in the region is picking up speed: On January 26, 2024, the groundbreaking ceremony for the funded fiber optic network as part of the inter-municipal broadband network (IKbit) was held at the community center in Mörlenbach. The mayor of Mörlenbach, Erik Kadesch, emphasized the importance of government support for the comprehensive expansion, which is crucial for the future of the ten participating municipalities in the Bergstrasse district. These are Abtsteinach, Birkenau, Fürth, Gorxheimertal, Grasellenbach, Lindenfels, Mörlenbach, Rimbach and Wald-Michelbach. However, there is no connection from Heppenheim to the project.

The IKbit project aims to provide all citizens and companies in the participating municipalities with access to the high-performance digital infrastructure by 2028. The expansion and operational management of the new fiber optic network will be implemented by PEB Broadband GmbH & Co. KG, consisting of ENTEGA Medianet and Klenk & Sohn. A notable aspect of the project is the planned connection of around 7,200 addresses, which is to be reached via a route of 315 kilometers. Of these, 214 kilometers will be newly developed in urban areas and 101 kilometers outside of urban areas, with 180 kilometers of existing empty pipe routes being used.

Funding and support

The financing of the project is ensured through a mixed model. Around 50 percent comes from federal funding, 40 percent from co-financing from the state of Hesse and the remaining 10 percent is borne by the IKbit municipalities themselves. The total volume is considerable: it is assumed that there will be a funding gap of around 44 million euros, which will be closed with this funding.

Funding for the expansion of such digital infrastructures is of central importance not only to increase the region's competitiveness, but also to position companies for the future. Without a fiber optic connection, many municipalities and companies see major challenges, especially given the high investment costs, which often make expansion expensive. However, the funding programs at the federal, state and EU levels offer crucial support, such as the federal broadband funding program, which specifically supports areas where there is inadequate internet coverage ( financial-foerdermittel.de ).

The path to the digital age

The need to provide Germany with fiber optics across the board by 2030 is clear. The goal is to provide rural areas and those where economic expansion is not possible with a stable and fast internet connection. Bmv.de emphasizes that the funding primarily reaches the regions where the need to catch up is greatest. Municipalities can benefit from various programs that, for example, offer support for advisory services and simplified approval procedures.

With the free home connection for citizens, the barrier for many to take the step towards the digital future is further reduced. Before construction begins, attractive citizen information events are also offered in the municipalities in order to comprehensively inform everyone affected and prepare them for the next steps. If you have any questions about the construction work, please contact Klenk & Sohn GmbH on 06167 / 9300-26.

In an increasingly digital world, the commitment to fiber optic expansion is not only a question of speed, but also of future security - and here the prospective participants in the IKbit project have shown a good hand.