German Broadband Strategy

Overview
The Germany Broadband Strategy was released in February 2009.163 The strategy defines two overarching targets. First, gaps in broadband penetration are to be eliminated, and capable broadband, defined as at least 1 Mbps, is to be made available nationwide by the end of 2010. Second, a total of 75% of all German households are to have Internet access with speeds of at least 50 Mbps by 2014.164 The government describes its approach as “incentive-oriented.”165 In the short-term it will focus mainly on financial support for local authorities and improving financial options available to companies. In the long-term, it will focus on incentives within the overall EU regulatory framework and provide stimulus where it can promote synergies from infrastructure projects. Specific measures include optimizing shared use of existing infrastructure and facilities and compiling a broadband map and a database of construction sites.166 The German government has also taken steps to make more spectrum available for mobile broadband by freeing up the 900 MHz band for data and reallocating spectrum in the 800 MHz band made available as a result of Germany’s digital television transition.167

Source
FCC, International Broadband Data Report (Second) 29 (May 20, 2011) (full-text).