KVV takes over fiber optic network: future of internet provision in northern Hesse

KVV takes over fiber optic network: future of internet provision in northern Hesse

In a significant step for the digital infrastructure of North Hesse, Kasseler Verkehrs- und Liefer-GmbH (KVV) has acquired the fiber optic network of Broadband Nordhessen GmbH (BNG). This purchase, officially completed on November 1, 2025, represents the end of a long process that has been underway for seven months. BNG has been in self-administration since January 2024 after it became insolvent and will now be dissolved following the network sale. There is no public information about the purchase price, as HNA reports.

KVV managing director Carsten Harkner emphasizes that nothing will change for customers and partners as a result of this acquisition. The KVV had already taken over Netcom as the operator of the BNG network in June 2024. The fiber optic network, which is already operated on an FTTC basis, supplies around 40,000 Internet customers, of which around 20,000 have a contract with Netcom and the other 20,000 are with various providers.

Financial aspects and deeper problems of the BNG

However, BNG's financial situation remains tense. Taxpayers will now have to pay for BNG's outstanding liabilities as these were not taken over in the sale. BNG received a loan of 143 million euros from the Hessen Economic and Infrastructure Bank to finance the fiber optic expansion. The expansion throughout northern Hesse was completely completed by 2019. For the five districts of northern Hesse that invested in BNG, there is now no repayment for their investments totaling 27.5 million euros.

Since the KVV is not planning any investments to convert the existing network to FTTH (fiber optic to the home), the question remains what will happen next. Nevertheless, the KVV will provide other providers in the network area with access to wholesale products in the BNG network, which could strengthen competition.

The digital expansion in Germany

The developments in northern Hesse are part of a larger trend. The federal government has recognized that faster internet and the latest mobile communications standards are essential for modernizing Germany as a business location. A change in the law, which came into force on July 30, 2025, emphasizes that the expansion of fiber optic and mobile networks is of “overriding public interest”. The legislature aims to speed up the approval process for the construction of cell phone towers and fiber optic lines in order to strengthen the digital infrastructure.

Currently, 76.5 percent of households in Germany are already covered by gigabit connections, and over 93 percent of the country is covered by 5G. But it is clear that there is still a lot to be done to guarantee widespread and reliable connections. After all, functioning digital infrastructures are not only important for the fun of surfing or streaming, but also for public services, as has been proven in times of crisis, for example during the corona pandemic or other emergencies, as Federal Government explains.

Overall, the sale of the BNG network to KVV shows that there is a lot in flux in the area of ​​digital infrastructure. The coming months will determine how the network in northern Hesse will develop and what new opportunities and challenges it brings for the population.