Federal Broadband Expansion Funding Program

The Federal Broadband Expansion Program supports municipal authorities in establishing a future-proof gigabit network in previously underserved rural areas of Germany. Funding is provided for civil engineering work, duct installation, and fiber optic installation, as well as accompanying consulting and planning services. Eligible applicants include cities, municipalities, districts, and municipal associations that can demonstrate, through a current market survey (no older than 12 months), that less than 30 Mbit/s downstream is available in their project area and that no private NGA expansion will take place within three years. Funding rates range between 50% and 70% of eligible expenses, up to a funding amount of 15 million euros. Consulting services are funded at 100% up to 50,000 euros. An served share of at least 85% of all households with 50 Mbit/s guarantees economic promotion, while the remaining connections must reach at least 30 Mbit/s. Applications are submitted via the central portal Breitbandausschreibungen.de, followed by a Europe-wide tendering of construction and operational services through an open, non-discriminatory procedure in accordance with the NGA framework regulation.

The program aims to eliminate white NGA spots, connect commercial and institutional demanders to the network, and exploit synergies with infrastructure projects in other sectors (road, energy, mobility). Approval is initially provisional; after successful evaluation of the procurement procedure, the final funding amount is determined. A binding period of at least seven years or the contractually regulated lease term ensures sustainable use and non-discriminatory access. Municipalities under budgetary supervision can be relieved from the equity contribution obligation through state funds. The goal is the effective, technology-neutral expansion of high-performance broadband networks throughout Germany.