As you might have seen the latest edition of the Broadband Coverage in Europe project has been published. The full report and data tables can be found on the EC website - https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/library/broadband-coverage-europe-2022.
The EC and other countries in the study have, as of mid 2022, reported 60% coverage of gigabit download capable fixed networks and more than 80% of households with access to more than 100Mbps.
While there are more recent statistics available from individual countries this is still the only study that provides a view across the whole of Europe.
Germany is making progress but is ranked only 16th in Europe for coverage of ultra high speed fixed networks. Below the EU average and only just ahead of the UK.
“Germany is not progressing as fast as many European member states. There are a number of factors with a regional government structure and significant geographic issues and legacy infrastructure gaps that could help explain their performance,” says Oliver Johnson, Director at Expert Intelligence.
Germany is a leader in information however. The Breitbandatlas and Infrastrukturatlas are both effective communication tools. In addition Germany is progressing well on recommendations in the Gigabit Infrastructure Act (https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/library/gigabit-infrastructure-act-proposal-and-impact-assessment) still to be formally adopted.
A ‘fixed gig’ (at least 1Gbps downstream from a full fibre or cable network) is vital for the future of all countries and economies around the world.
“Numerous studies have shown that improving broadband makes a big difference to a country. It increases employment, income, tax revenues and overall competitiveness as well as many social benefits,” says Johnson.
The ‘90% club’ is growing, with Malta leading the way, while Germany is not there yet if current progression can be maintained it will come late in the decade. There are still challenges remaining though.
Rural coverage is often an issue. It is slower and more expensive to expand the networks into less populated areas. Germany faces a particular hurdle with rural coverage. Currently at 24th in the EU for rural fixed gig coverage there are real problems addressing the shortfall.
“Germany is well behind the curve and rural progress is slow. There are some signs that mobile coverage, 5G in particular, is helping to plug some of the gaps but it cannot compete with fixed coverage and won’t solve connectivity issues in the next few years. Overall it is disappointing for many and should be a wake up call for all involved,” says Johnson
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