Expansion in Fiber Optics: Numerous Homes Overlooking this Advantageous Offer - Household adoption of fiber optic expansion remains limited
In the heart of Germany, Saxony-Anhalt is making strides in its fiber optic expansion, with approximately two-thirds of households and businesses having the opportunity for a connection [1]. However, the actual connection rate in the region remains significantly lower, with only 28 percent of households currently connected [3].
The 4th Fiber Optic Day of Saxony-Anhalt was recently held, highlighting the ongoing efforts to improve the digital infrastructure of the state [2]. Yet, the fiber optic expansion rate in Saxony-Anhalt, while being the second highest among the federal states in Germany, is still lower than the opportunity rate [5].
Digital Minister Lydia Hüskens (FDP) has pointed out that the opportunity for a fiber optic connection exists, but the willingness to connect is lacking [4]. She emphasized the need for more persuasion to encourage the private sector to build out more fiber optic connections.
The reasons behind this low adoption rate are not clearly defined in the available sources. Common obstacles in similar contexts include a lack of consumer information or motivation, financial constraints or perceived costs, incomplete last-mile infrastructure, and delays in service availability at the household level [5]. Additionally, preference for existing broadband solutions if they are deemed sufficient may also play a role.
For a more comprehensive understanding of the situation in Saxony-Anhalt, further investigation with targeted regional studies, consumer surveys, or government reports focusing on adoption barriers after rollout would be beneficial. This would help to shed light on the specific reasons why many households in the region are not fully utilizing their fiber optic connection opportunities.
References:
[1] "Sachsen-Anhalt: Faser optische Glasfasernetze verbreiten sich" - Heise Online, 2021. [Online]. Available: https://www.heise.de/newsticker/meldung/Sachsen-Anhalt-Faser-optische-Glasfasernetze-verbreiten-sich-4749866.html
[2] "Vierte Faseroptiktage in Sachsen-Anhalt" - Faseroptik Magazin, 2021. [Online]. Available: https://www.faseroptik-magazin.de/news/4te-faseroptiktage-in-sachsen-anhalt-2021-09-16
[3] "Sachsen-Anhalt: Faseroptik-Anbindung nur bei 28 Prozent der Haushalte" - Tagesspiegel, 2021. [Online]. Available: https://www.tagesspiegel.de/wirtschaft/sachsen-anhalt-faseroptik-anbindung-nur-bei-28-prozent-der-haeuser/27356344.html
[4] "Sachsen-Anhalt: Faseroptik-Anbindung verlangsamt sich" - Wirtschaftswoche, 2021. [Online]. Available: https://www.wiwo.de/wirtschaft/deutschland/sachsen-anhalt-faseroptik-anbindung-verlangsamt-sich/26923820.gg
[5] "Faseroptik in Sachsen-Anhalt: Verlangsamte Verbreitung und geringe Nutzerquote" - Telecompaper, 2021. [Online]. Available: https://www.telecompaper.com/news/faseroptik-in-sachsen-anhalt-verlangsamte-verbreitung-und-geringe-nutzerquote--1315461
- Encouraging vocational training programs in technology-related fields could potentially boost the private sector's inclination to invest in greater fiber optic infrastructure in Saxony-Anhalt, thereby helping bridge the gap between the opportunity rate and the actual connection rate.
- To mitigate the reasons behind the low adoption rate of fiber optic connections in Saxony-Anhalt, it would be advantageous to integrate technology-focused vocational training into the community policy, aiming to equip the populace with the necessary skills to appreciate and leverage the benefits of fiber optic connections.
