Vorstoß zum Breitbandausbau: Fairplay-Vereinbarung soll Internet-Ausbau beschleunigen

A coalition of municipal power companies and regional telecom providers proposes a voluntary industry agreement to accelerate the rollout of high-speed internet and mobile networks in Germany. The three industry associations - BDEW, Breko, and VKU - whose member companies account for nearly 60 percent of Germany's fiber-optic connections, aim to avoid new government regulations and instead rely on voluntary cooperation.

The core of the "Fairplay Agreement" initiative lies in mutual network opening ("Open Access"). So far, comprehensive coverage often fails due to lack of network sharing or competitors reburying roads to lay their own fiber-optic cables parallel. The associations intend that fixed-line providers commit to opening their fiber-optic cables to competitors' customers on fair and equal terms.

In return, they demand that major mobile network operators open their towers and 5G networks for other providers to enable seamless bundled internet and mobile offerings. The move responds to the government's plans to regulate network access through law (§ 22a TKG) and the Federal Network Agency, which creates uncertainty for providers and deters investors.

Market leader Deutsche Telekom, though not named in writing, is considered the primary target: Regional operators want to prevent the telecom giant from building double infrastructure in already-coverage areas and demand fair access to its mobile network in return. Deutsche Telekom regularly denies allegations of intentional or unfair double-building and emphasizes that free competition and self-operated network expansion would secure customers the best infrastructure and provider selection.

For consumers, the agreement could bring tangible benefits: Shared existing infrastructure would increase internet service provider selection at the same connection point, avoid unnecessary construction sites in residential areas, and simplify provider switching. The associations urged the Digital Minister and the Federal Network Agency to initiate negotiations between market participants.