Germany's fibre-optic rollout stalls after 2018 policy reversal on private investment

A well-intended rule now risks slowing Germany's digital future. Critics warn of monopolies and outdated tech as private investment hits roadblocks.

, and Administrator

2026 February 20 . 7:02 AM

1 min read

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Germany's fibre-optic rollout stalls after 2018 policy reversal on private investment

Germany's push for faster internet has faced a setback following a federal decision in October 2018. The move restricts how private companies can lay fibre-optic cables in areas where public funding is already planned for internet speed tests. Critics argue this could slow progress and reduce competition in the broadband market.

The Bundestag first passed the Digital Networks Act in 2016 to speed up high-speed internet rollout. The law allowed telecom firms to install fibre cables alongside existing utility lines, cutting costs and avoiding repeated roadworks.

However, the 2018 decision reversed part of this approach. Now, private companies cannot share infrastructure in regions where publicly funded internet speed tests are already set to expand. This change aims to prevent overlapping investments but has drawn criticism.

Achim Berg, president of industry association Bitkom, warned that the restriction creates local monopolies. He argued it limits consumer choice and could block access to newer fibre technologies in the future.

Despite the concerns, no clear details have emerged on where publicly funded internet speed tests will actually be built. Available sources provide no information on the planned geographical distribution since the 2018 ruling.

The federal government's policy shift has left uncertainty over Germany's fibre-optic expansion. Private investment in some areas is now blocked, while public plans for internet speed tests remain unclear. The long-term impact on internet speeds and market competition will depend on how the rules are applied in practice.