Co-financing of the Federal Broadband Expansion Program

The co-financing of the federal broadband expansion program in North Rhine-Westphalia complements federal funding based on the Next Generation Access framework regulation and aims to close profitability gaps in the expansion of a high-performance broadband supply. Funding is provided to municipal authorities in the Arnsberg administrative district, including cities, districts, municipal associations, and other public institutions. With fund allocations of up to 90% (or 100% for municipalities with a budget consolidation plan) minus the federal funding rate, civil engineering works, the equipping of empty conduits with unlit fiber optic cables, as well as the joint laying of empty conduits during other planned earthworks are enabled. The combination of these measures creates the prerequisite for the construction and operation of high-performance network infrastructures in South Westphalia and the eastern Ruhr area.

Applications can be submitted at any time after a positive federal decision has been received. Eligible applicants submit the application in accordance with Annex 2 to Number 3.1 of the VVG pursuant to § 44 LHO together with the federal decision and proof of the conducted procurement procedure to the Arnsberg District Government. The funding amount is capped at a maximum of €12 million (€15 million for municipalities with a budget consolidation plan). Only expenses directly serving to close the profitability gap and to establish the network components are covered as grants. Thus, the co-financing program supports the development of future-proof digital infrastructures and makes a significant contribution to regional economic strengthening.