Slow Fiber Optic Expansion in Austria
Better examples of fiber optic expansion are provided by Romania, the Netherlands, Portugal, Bulgaria, and France, where 90 percent or more of the population is reached. Austria only reaches 50 percent. Thus, the country is just ahead of the Czech Republic and Germany, each reaching 42 percent.
Criticism of Slow Fiber Optic Expansion in Austria
"The lack of fiber optic infrastructure significantly hinders the country's digital development. Without comprehensive access, Austria will not remain competitive in key technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Quantum Computing," notes the interest group Open Fiber Austria Association (OFAA). They point out that mobile networks are only powerful enough if their base stations are directly connected to the fiber optic network.
Telekom Austria Criticizes Fiber Optic Expansion Funding
Recently in Austria, mobile network operators criticized that the fiber optic expansion in Austria is primarily a subsidy program for the construction industry, but does not sufficiently advance broadband coverage. Market leader Telekom Austria had demanded that instead of laying cables, households should be subsidized when they acquire a broadband connection. "We are the company that expands fiber optics the most in Austria, we have nothing against fiber optic expansion," said Deputy CEO Thomas Arnoldner in February, adding: "However, we believe that in times of limited resources, they should be used responsibly." In recent years, 2.4 billion euros have been pumped into subsidies, with individual household connections being subsidized with up to 80,000 euros. On average, a fiber optic connection in Austria costs 2,000 euros, reported A1 Austria CEO Marcus Grausam. The last major broadband subsidy action dates back to 2022. Under the then Telecommunications Minister Elisabeth Köstinger (ÖVP), the starting signal was given for the disbursement of the second broadband billion amounting to 1.4 billion euros. "This is the largest broadband expansion budget ever," said the minister at the time.
(APA/Red)
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