Germany pledges €20 bn partnership to fast‑track fiber and mobile network rollout

The German Federal Ministry for Digital Affairs reports that about one‑half of households already have access to a fiber connection, and aims for nearly 50 % coverage by the end of 2025. The ministry plans to speed the rollout through a reform of the Telecommunications Act that will simplify permits and give providers greater rights to lay cables directly to apartments.

In parallel, the federal government, states, municipalities and the telecom industry signed a Memorandum of Understanding called “Bestes Netz für Deutschland”. The agreement commits roughly €20 bn in investments for 2026‑27, including €8.5 bn for fiber and €2.4 bn for mobile networks this year, with targets of 3.2 million usable fiber connections and 2.5 million prepared connections in 2026. A new semi‑annual control system for the Federal Network Agency will monitor progress, and the sector commits to open‑access principles to foster competition.

These initiatives aim to reduce bureaucracy, accelerate permitting, and ensure that broadband and mobile services reach both residential and business customers across Germany.