Germany approves telecom law reform to accelerate fiber-to-home rollout

The German federal cabinet has approved a reform of the Telecommunications Act aimed at speeding up the deployment of fiber-optic broadband to every household. The draft legislation, which still requires Bundestag and Bundesrat approval, seeks to cut bureaucracy, shorten permitting procedures, and grant providers a right to complete fiber build‑out inside buildings. Building owners may also be required to install internal fiber within a set deadline, and railway companies could be obliged to assist with faster mobile‑network rollouts along rail corridors.

Digital Minister Karsten Wildberger highlighted fast, stable internet as essential for economic growth. The plan foresees investments of about €8.5 billion in fiber and €2.4 billion in mobile networks in 2026, targeting roughly 5.6 million new fiber connections, of which 3.1 million would be directly usable. Currently only 15 % of consumers have a fiber link. The industry federation BDEW welcomed the faster approval and administrative processes.