Province of Styria
Citizens and businesses in the St. Nikolai im Sausal region in the province of Styria, Austria can now rely on high-speed internet to help meet the opportunities and challenges of global digitalisation and grow the local economy. Thanks to LAYJET, an innovative, non-disruptive cable-laying method developed in Styria, a fast and sustainable fibre-to-the-home/building (FTTH/B) fibre-optic network has been completed.
Unique characteristics
The pilot project which was implemented over 18 months starting in Spring 2019, successfully provided public institutions and businesses with symmetrical and asymmetrical bandwidths, supplied private households with at least 100 Mbps download and increased the availability of digital services and internet service providers (ISPs). It enhances broadband coverage in the region (specifically in the towns of St. Nikolai im Sausal, Heimschuh, Hengsberg, Kitzeck im Sausal, Lang and Tillmitsch) and contributes to the success of Broadband Strategy Styria 2030.
Crucial to the successful implementation was securing the support of the local population by convincing them of the benefits high-speed connection would bring. Project implementation was guided by SBIDI, who in close cooperation with the municipality fostered local ownership of this project. Members of the elected municipal council were also instrumental in spreading information about the project and garnering support. As a result of this outreach 40% of potential households requested to participate in the scheme.
Results and impact
More than 1,300 households now have symmetrical and asymmetrical bandwidths with a minimum of 100 Mbps download, resulting in an overall coverage of roughly 94%. Extensive broadband coverage was achieved, with a total of 11 ISPs. The ISPs tailor their services both for private households and for business customers, such as SMEs, at affordable prices.
Nearly 100% of the local SMEs have access to FTTH/B. The project is a good example of fruitful cooperation between the province of Styria, regional stakeholders, and national as well as regional service/network providers.
Four transmitting/base stations were also connected with the new ultrafast network, which will facilitate the availability of a high-speed wireless network and support the upcoming roll-out of 5G.
For more information visit the project website.