Wildberger unleashes the digital revolution: fiber optics for all of Germany!

Wildberger unleashes the digital revolution: fiber optics for all of Germany!

Karsten Wildberger, a breath of fresh air as the CDU's new Federal Digital Minister, is determined to bring digitalization in Germany up to speed. With his experience from the telecommunications industry, where he worked at Vodafone and Deutsche Telekom, among others, he brings the necessary know-how with him. He recently made his first major appearance at a “stakeholder dialogue” in which 32 organizations from the digital economy took part. The challenges in expanding digital infrastructures were discussed here.

Whether Deutsche Telekom, Vodafone or the Federal Association of Broadband Communications (BREKO) – they all have high hopes for Wildberger. Above all, the lack of investment commitments and regulatory framework are sticking points that need to be addressed. The industry viewed the dialogue as a step in the right direction. But not all federal states were represented: Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Bremen and Lower Saxony were unable to take part due to other dates.

A new plan for a better network

In order to further advance digitalization, Wildberger is planning a memorandum of understanding entitled “Best Network for Germany”. This is scheduled to be signed in the first quarter of 2026 and aims to set clear key figures for fiber optic expansion. Wildberger calls for transparent measurement of progress in the development of fiber optic households. Currently, an estimated 54% of households in Germany are covered by fiber optics, with 22% already connected to it. Around 6 million active fiber optic connections are expected to be in operation by the end of 2025.

A courageous step is the planned shutdown of the copper network between 2035 and 2040. This is intended to carry out a regulated transition from DSL to fiber optic networks. However, the industry does have concerns: the Association of Providers in the Digital and Telecommunications Market (VATM) in particular is calling for planning security for future investments.

Digitalization as a task for society as a whole

The topics that Wildberger tackles represent the upcoming challenges that await Germany in an increasingly digitalized world. As in Shakespeare's "Romeo et Juliette", where tragic consequences arise from an unresolved conflict, an orderly exchange and agreement between all those involved is crucial here too. In this digital tragedy, misunderstandings and unclear framework conditions can lead to a standstill that ultimately affects everyone.

The discussion about fiber optic expansion and the strategic measures for this will shape the next few years. Digital infrastructure is a key that is of great value today not only for companies but also for private households. Wildberger's commitment could be the starting signal for a new era of digitalization in Germany.