Federal Funding Program for Broadband Expansion - Commercial Areas

The federal funding program for broadband expansion – commercial areas supports municipal authorities in equipping underserved commercial zones with high-performance fiber optic infrastructure. The goal is to close profitability gaps for private operators and to ensure symmetrical bandwidths of at least 1 Gbit/s for all companies within the expansion area. With a federal funding rate of 50% to 90%, civil engineering work, the outfitting of empty conduits with unlit fiber optic cable, as well as joint installation during already planned earthworks can be financed. Additionally, consulting services are funded at 100% up to a maximum of €50,000 to expertly accompany the planning and implementation of expansion projects. The maximum funding amount is €1 million in federal contributions per project, whereby ongoing measures continue to be processed while new applications are no longer accepted.

A prerequisite for funding is the presence of broadband undersupply with less than 30 Mbit/s downstream. Eligible recipients are regional authorities such as municipalities, districts, or municipal associations. Funding is determined within the framework of a market exploration procedure (not older than one year) and an economic feasibility assessment through expressions of interest procedures or studies. Approval is granted by the federal authority ateneKOM, followed by a provisional and a final funding notice based on the procurement procedure. Through co-financing by the state of North Rhine-Westphalia, an attractive financing structure is created to make commercial areas future-proof and competitive.