WEMACOM Breitband GmbH, Germany
To be able to overcome the traditional approval process, the districts use web-based geodata portals, such as the KGIS in the district of Northwest Mecklenburg and the KVW Map in the district of Ludwigslust-Parchim. All geodata, as well as aerial photos, property registers, nature conservation data and much more, can be viewed in these web-based portals and are blended with the planning documents submitted by WEMACOM. As part of the funded broadband network expansion, WEMACOM and the district of Northwest Mecklenburg have extended these functions to include a digital application and approval process. In this way, the complex application and approval process can be implemented more transparently, faster and more cost effectively.
Unique characteristics
Up until the implementation of the digital application and approval process, approval processes were carried out traditionally: the many application and planning documents were submitted to each individual approval agency, followed by a time-consuming coordination and participation process with regular necessary changes and adjustments between the authorities and the applicant. This is how it is also done in the other districts which WEMACOM works with. Digitalising this process is therefore something new and has also been adopted by another district (Ludwigslust-Parchim). It will be continued by the participating districts even after the funded broadband network expansion has been completed. In addition, it was a good example of the step towards digitalisation in times of the coronavirus pandemic.
Results and Impact
Thanks to the digital application and approval process, it was possible to process most of the approvals within six months. At the same time, more than two tons of paper were saved. The district of Northwest Mecklenburg is so convinced of the positive influence of digitalisation that it will also use this process for other construction projects.
WEMACOM has also implemented the digital application and approval process for the funded broadband network expansion in the Ludwigslust-Parchim district. With this approval process, the planning documents were also able to be submitted digitally to WEMACOM and processed by the approval authorities in the office or in the home office.
A total of 4,400 kilometres of civil engineering, 9,200 kilometres of empty conduits, 13,700 kilometres of fibre optic cables, and 3,700 site approvals were applied for digitally and approved in the Northwest Mecklenburg and Ludwigslust-Parchim districts. More than 31 official administrations and two independent cities, 14 specialist services from the districts, 22 public bodies (state authorities and telecommunications companies), 6 planning offices, 15 civil engineering companies with approximately 500 civil engineers and fitters, and 100 employees of WEMACOM (project team) were involved in the process.
For more information visit the project website.