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Shaping Europe’s digital future
Success story | Publication

Broadband expanse in North Hesse, Germany

The five administrative districts of Kassel founded their own infrastructure company (Breitband Nordhessen GmbH, BNG) through a joint initiative to make sure that all community areas within the five districts have sustainable broadband internet connections. The project was selected for the finals of the European Broadband Awards 2022.

Street-works during roll-out of fibre

Breitband Nordhessen GmbH

A backbone network was setup, the fibre is being rollout out to the buildings. Multiple schools and companies gained access to broadband.

In the first step, initial broadband penetration was introduced by setting up a backbone network and distributing fibre to the last nodes along the streets (fibre to the cabinet, FTTC). Meanwhile, Breitband Nordhessen GmbH is expanding towards FTTB (fibre to the building) to close gaps in broadband availability and bring fibre to each single house in its distribution area.

A total of 91 schools and around 50 companies are already benefitting from direct FTTB/H fibre optic connections via BNG’s FTTC network. By doing so, teleworking and home schooling are becoming a reality for these communities as well, resolving the digital divide between rural and urban areas. Breitband Nordhessen GmbH therefore provides a real perspective for North Hesse region by providing a full coverage FTTB network.

Unique characteristics

Five administrative districts have decided to align their vision and tackle common problems such as depopulation and lack of opportunities for the residents of these districts. The joint initiative, with its cross-regional character, has prevented these districts from dropping out of the evolution plan, giving the whole area a chance to evolve towards FTTB. Moreover, the fact that BNG already owns and provides backbone and FTTC infrastructures allowed the project to be successful even in a region with otherwise difficult economic factors.

Results and Impact

The availability of a state-of-the-art FTTB broadband network boost personal productivity and allow for more flexible work arrangements. Moreover, the higher speeds open possibilities for more advanced home-based businesses as a replacement, or complement to, ordinary jobs. Therefore, the roll-out of an area-wide FTTB network enables people to be more connected, better educated as well as socially and culturally enriched. Overall, both broadband availability and high-speeds brings growth to the regional economy and prevents rural depopulation.

For more information visit the project website.