Broadband expansion
Shaping the digital future
We are all becoming increasingly digital. New services and technologies permeate almost every area of daily life and business. New opportunities for coexistence and cooperation, social participation and economic success are developing. The basis for this are high-performance broadband networks, which must be available to private households, social institutions and businesses.
In Bocholt, the availability of gigabit-capable connections (incl. cable TV) is approx. 72 percent (as of 12/2021). In order to further develop this rate positively, various measures are being taken at the telecommunication companies' own expense or through funding projects.
Subsidised broadband expansion
For telecommunications companies, the roll-out of fibre-optic networks in rural areas is often unprofitable, as the roll-out costs are out of proportion to the expected revenue. To bridge this so-called 'economic viability gap', the federal government and the state of North Rhine-Westphalia offer various funding programmes. The funding rate is typically 80 or 90 per cent. The remaining portion must be covered by the local authorities' own funds. The town of Bocholt is taking advantage of this opportunity to gradually roll out comprehensive broadband coverage.
Between 2019 and 2021, around 1,000 households were able to benefit from a subsidised broadband connection.
To enable further private households and businesses to access a subsidised broadband connection, an application for funding under the so-called 'grey spots' scheme was submitted in 2022. Further information on this ongoing project can be found in the section on the 'grey spots' scheme in the town of Bocholt.
Most recently, at the start of 2024, primary schools in Bocholt received a subsidised broadband connection. The project was implemented in close cooperation between the City of Bocholt and stadtwerker (formerly Bocholter Energie- und Wasserversorgung GmbH). All schools in Bocholt now have a gigabit-capable connection, which is essential for digital connectivity in everyday school life.
Grey Spots Promotion in the City of Bocholt
© Adobe Stock
In areas where expansion is not commercially viable and market failure has been identified, the Federal Government and the federal states provide support through broadband funding (the Federal Gigabit Funding Programme). The 'Grey Spots' programme (also known as 'Light Grey Spots') is aimed at private households where a download speed of less than 100 Mbit/s is technically and reliably available. In addition, socio-economic priority areas - which include, in particular, businesses and agricultural holdings - are generally eligible for funding regardless of any take-up threshold, provided they are not already connected to a gigabit-capable network.
The town of Bocholt has received a notice of approval for the funding project. It is expected that approximately 580 properties located outside the inner-city core area will be connected. The town of Bocholt is currently putting the fibre-optic roll-out out to tender as part of a comprehensive Europe-wide procurement process.
Further information on the federal Gigabit funding scheme is available on the website of the project operator, aconium.
Self-financed broadband expansion in the city of Bocholt
In addition to the subsidised expansion, telecommunications companies may build broadband infrastructure at their own expense.
The town of Bocholt is currently aware of one specific expansion project. stadtwerker (formerly Bocholter Energie- und Wasserversorgung GmbH) will upgrade the telecommunications network in the town centre to a modern fibre-optic network, self-financing the project. Further information on this project and to check whether your connection is included can be found on the "faserfreunde" website.
Contact
Hany Omar
Chief Digital Officer (CDO)
