Fiber optic expansion in the Main-Kinzig district: Citizens wait in vain!

Fiber optic expansion in the Main-Kinzig district: Citizens wait in vain!

In the Main-Kinzig district, fiber optic expansion is an issue that concerns many citizens. Despite an impressive 200 million euros in investments, the supply remains patchy: While the goal was to provide around 75,000 households with fast internet by 2027, only 14,239 buildings are currently connected to the fiber optic network. Residents report incomplete connections, which are significantly slowing down progress. This leads to frustration as many rely on a reliable internet connection. daily news speaks of cases like Mario Rienäcker, who, despite his damage, has not received any positive feedback because he is considered to have a cable connection due to outdated technology.

In Freigericht, for example, only 12% of households have access to free fiber optic connections, and Mayor Waldemar Gogel sharply criticizes the inadequate funding practice, which does not include all households in the dug-up streets. Broadband Main-Kinzig adds that in Niederdorfelden less than half of the households are provided with fast internet. This leads to unequal supply in semi-detached homes, where one unit may have a connection but the other does not.

Challenges and legal hurdles

The legal framework represents a further challenge. According to Mayor Gogel and his counterpart Klaus Büttner, existing cable networks could slow down expansion because the federal funding guidelines incorrectly classify areas with coaxial cables as gigabit-capable. This is supported by the experiences of citizens like Rudi Höfler, who also only makes phone calls via an outdated copper cable but is considered to be “covered”.

In order to improve the situation, the mayors in Berlin want to promote a revision of the funding guidelines. According to the current requirements, it is usually difficult for private providers to implement individual connections because they are often not economically attractive. The Federal Ministry of Agriculture Meanwhile, reports on a long-term goal that fiber optic connections and the latest mobile communications standards should be available nationwide by 2030 - a project that not only requires support, but also many hurdles.

A look into the future

Despite all the difficulties, the proportion of households served by less than 30 Mbit/s remains a serious challenge. In order to solve these problems, the next deadline for property owner declarations will be announced in Erlensee and Flörsbachtal on November 14, 2025. Technology is not the only obstacle; the understanding of administrative processes needs to be improved. The active role of citizens is becoming increasingly important. Ultimately, fiber optic networks should be available nationwide in Germany by 2030, which is currently around 50%. But it remains uncertain whether the ambitious goal can be easily achieved under the current conditions.