Three weeks without internet: The bitter reality in Halsbach!

Three weeks without internet: The bitter reality in Halsbach!

A small town in Halsbach, Saxony, has been going through a difficult time: its almost 300 residents have had to make do without internet or a landline for the last three weeks. The outage, which began in mid-June, made it nearly impossible for people to pay their online bills, work from home or access necessary information. While some on site reacted calmly to the situation, others found the idea of ​​having to live without the internet for three weeks simply unimaginable. That's what she reports South German newspaper.

What is particularly notable in this era of digitalization is the impact of such a failure on daily life. In Halsbach, the need for stable internet became particularly obvious. This is not just a question of personal comfort, but also an essential requirement for handling numerous everyday matters. Networking online, whether for professional reasons or for everyday things such as online banking and using social media, is now a given.

Right to Internet access

According to the Telecommunications Act, Germans have the right to a connection to the public telecommunications network. This also applies to households and business locations, but there is no guarantee of a specific provider or wired supply. The Federal Network Agency has clear guidelines on the minimum services that must be available: Telephony and Internet access are mandatory. The speed requirements were increased in 2024: At least 15 Mbit/s should be available for downloads and 5 Mbit/s for uploads in order to ensure coverage in rural and sparsely populated areas.

Interestingly, only a few citizens have exercised their right to high-speed internet. Of around 5,500 submissions to the Federal Network Agency, only around 30 led to a determination of undersupply. This shows how many may not know about their rights. Comprehensive clarification is urgently needed here, especially with regard to the digital divide that still exists in many regions of Germany.

Difficulties and solutions on site

The crisis in Halsbach underlines the enormous importance of stable internet access. Without him, citizens faced serious challenges. Online tools that are otherwise essential for training and further education, online research or even streaming information could not be used. Although citizens have the opportunity to complain to the Federal Network Agency if they are dissatisfied with their internet connection, it remains to be seen whether this will actually lead to improvements.

Overall, the incident in Halsbach shows how important it is that digital connection is not only a matter of course in large cities, but is also heard more widely in smaller communities. How many Germans are really aware of the necessary minimum standards? Only if all actors—consumers, providers and political institutions—work together can comprehensive digital coverage be guaranteed throughout Germany. A good hand in dealing with the digital infrastructure is essential today in order to remain fit for the future.

Conclusion: As the world becomes more digital, attention must also be paid to rural areas to provide the same quality of life and necessary tools that urban areas enjoy.