Fiber optic for Rathenow: 12 million euros for fast internet!

Fiber optic for Rathenow: 12 million euros for fast internet!

Something is happening in the area of ​​digital infrastructure in Rathenow! Deutsche Glasfaser Holding GmbH plans to invest heavily in the city. Between 8 and 12 million euros are planned to create the connection for future-proof internet provision. They rely on modern FTTH technology (Fibre to the Home). This means that the fiber optic cables are laid right into the customers' living rooms, which ensures high internet speeds. The first connections could be available in two years if everything goes according to plan. Mayor Jörg Zietemann is behind the project and has already distributed letters of support to citizens to inform them about the benefits. According to maz-online.de, an information event took place in the cultural center on June 24, 2025, led by Alexander Goldmann.

Project manager Christof Milek makes it clear that the need for fast and reliable internet connections is constantly increasing. More and more devices in our households require WiFi, and you quickly realize how important a stable network is. However, the project is being implemented without government funding, which increases the challenge. The pressure to succeed lies on pre-marketing: 33% of households in the expansion area must place an order by September 26, 2025 for the project to come to fruition. If there is no demand, construction will not continue.

local initiatives and developments

In parallel to these developments, GlasfaserPlus, a joint venture between Deutsche Telekom and IFM Investors, is also showing commitment to Rathenow. From 2023, the expansion of around 7,800 fiber optic connections for households and company locations has been announced. This is intended to provide residents with stable data transmission at gigabit speeds. For the expansion, PlastikPlus partially uses Telekom's existing infrastructure, which accelerates the process. Unlike Deutsche Fiber, the expansion here is independent of pre-marketing quotas, which means that the network will continue to be built even if there are not enough pre-registrations.

The advantage of this initiative is that the network gives citizens the choice between different telecommunications providers for Internet, telephone and television. In the planned expansion phase, connecting a property is free if a fiber optic tariff is taken out from a provider. After that, costs may arise, which at Telekom, for example, are 799.95 euros.

Looking at the overall market

But what is the state of fiber optic expansion in Germany in general? According to glasfarben-internet.info we are in the bottom third within the EU in terms of FTTH connections. Where other countries are already far ahead, Germany is considered to be at the bottom. Currently only 23 to 32% of households have access to FTTH connections, while on average in the EU over 64% of households already have access to fiber optics. There is therefore a clear need for action to increase Germany's digital competitiveness.

Overall, however, the number of fiber optic accesses is growing and Germany is one of the top 5 fastest-growing EU nations in fiber optic expansion. Almost 43 million high-speed accesses with 1000 Mbit/s or more should be available by the end of 2023. Despite the obstacles, such as high costs for expansion and competition from powerful cable networks, fiber optic expansion remains a central issue for rural regions.

The developments in Rathenow show that it is also time locally to invest in the digital future. Progress is visible, but demand must be strengthened together in order to take advantage of the opportunities offered by nationwide supply.