Digitalization offensive in MV: Faster fiber optic expansion in sight!

Digitalization offensive in MV: Faster fiber optic expansion in sight!

Something is happening in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania – digitalization is on the fast track! The country has set itself an ambitious goal: the procedures for promoting digitalization should become faster and more efficient in the future. Interior Minister Christian Pegel (SPD) emphasizes that planning and approvals can be significantly accelerated with changes to the state building regulations, a digital building application and a new broadband portal. Heise reports that these measures are not only intended to reduce bureaucracy, but also to improve the general conditions for developers and companies.

But what about the digital infrastructure? In Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, over 60% of households now have access to fiber optic connections. This is primarily the result of a funding program that the federal government launched in 2015. And the numbers speak for themselves: almost half of the funding of almost three billion euros has already been drawn down. A great success, which is underpinned by a recently completed fiber optic expansion project in the Vorpommern-Rügen district. After more than seven years of construction, almost 60,000 households as well as 1,800 companies and 80 schools now benefit from modern broadband coverage. Government MV emphasizes that the costs of the project are almost 127 million euros, with the federal, state and district co-financing heavily.

The catch-up process and new programs

What does this mean for the future? Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania has great ambitions to further expand nationwide internet coverage. Rural regions in particular often struggle with slower speeds and inadequate access. Since the low population density makes these areas less attractive for telecommunications companies, government support is still necessary. The federal government's white spot program wants to start here to help areas with less than 30 Mbit/s.

Over 12 billion euros in funding are available across Germany, of which 1.3 billion euros are going specifically to Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. The state is supplementing this with 728 million euros from its own resources and is consistently relying on fiber optic technology for the funded expansion. Since 2021, even so-called “grey spots” have become eligible for funding. This means that areas with access of 30 to 100 Mbit/s can also be covered. Public IT states that 2.4 billion euros will be available for broadband expansion in the next few years.

Progress is having an impact

If you look at the development of the last few years, you can clearly see: things are moving forward! The Germany Digitalization Index 2025 sets the goal of providing at least 50% of all households with fiber optic connections by the end of 2025. The national average for availability of 50 Mbit/s is currently almost 97%. In Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, the average coverage has already increased to 92.2%, although in some districts it is still below 89%.

The explosive increase in fiber optic availability is also reflected in the numbers: in 2024 there was an increase of 7.7 percentage points to 39.8% on a nationwide average. With an annual growth rate of around 8 percentage points, the goal of supplying more than half of all households with fiber optics by the end of 2025 could be within reach. The funds have been made available, now it's time to step on the gas! This is the only way to finally close the digital divide between cities and rural areas.