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Eleven Municipalities in Westallgäu Partner with Deutsche Telekom for Major Fiber Optic Expansion

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SHERIDAN, WYOMING – Dec. 7, 2024 – In a landmark project for rural internet connectivity, eleven municipalities in Westallgäu, Germany, have joined forces with Deutsche Telekom to bring high-speed fiber optic internet to the region. This ambitious undertaking, hailed as the largest of its kind in Germany, will provide 5,220 households and businesses with access to ultrafast internet speeds, boosting economic growth and enhancing quality of life.

Bridging the Digital Divide in Rural Germany

The Westallgäu region, nestled in the picturesque Allgäu Alps, faces unique challenges in expanding its digital infrastructure. The remote location and challenging terrain have historically hindered the rollout of high-speed internet, leaving many communities underserved. This collaborative effort between the municipalities and Deutsche Telekom aims to bridge the digital divide and ensure that residents and businesses have access to the connectivity they need to thrive in the modern world.

"Fast internet connections are important so that rural areas remain attractive as places to live and work," said Tobias Painter, Mayor of Weiler-Simmerberg, speaking on behalf of his fellow mayors. "Whether it's a craft business, a farm, or a service provider – nothing works without a good internet connection today. And at home, too, stable Wi-Fi ensures that domestic bliss is not disrupted. That's why signing the contract is such an important step for our communities."

Overcoming Challenges, Delivering Connectivity

The project, with a total volume of 25 million euros, involves extensive construction work, including 124 kilometers of underground cable laying and 9 kilometers of overhead lines. Deutsche Telekom will install 91 network distributors and lay 904 kilometers of fiber optic cable to connect the eleven municipalities and their approximately 250 districts.

"The schedule is ambitious," acknowledged Martin Größ, Head of Production Technical Infrastructure Augsburg Telekom. "We are here in the Allgäu Alps. Oberreute, for example, has an altitude of 850 meters. The weather conditions play a decisive role here. Expansion is not possible for months due to snow and cold."

Despite these challenges, Deutsche Telekom is confident in its ability to deliver the project on time. The company will leverage its existing network infrastructure in the region, which includes fiber optic connections to remote hamlets and FTTC (Fiber to the Curb) in the main towns.

Benefits of Fiber Optic Internet for Residents and Businesses

Fiber optic internet offers numerous advantages over traditional copper lines, including:

  • Unmatched Speed and Performance: Fiber optic cables deliver lightning-fast internet speeds, with download and upload rates of up to 1,000 megabits per second and beyond.
  • Seamless Multitasking: High capacity and low latency enable simultaneous use of demanding applications like video conferencing, online gaming, and streaming without interruption.
  • Future-Proofing Homes and Businesses: Fiber optic connections not only increase property value but also prepare buildings for future technological advancements.
  • Unwavering Stability and Security: Fiber optic cables provide a more stable and secure connection compared to copper lines, ensuring consistent performance and enhanced data protection.
  • Environmental Friendliness: Fiber optic networks consume significantly less energy than traditional copper networks, making them a more sustainable choice.

Connecting Homes and Businesses to the Future

The fiber optic expansion project in Westallgäu represents a significant investment in the region's future. By providing residents and businesses with access to ultrafast internet, this initiative will promote economic growth, enhance educational opportunities, and improve the overall quality of life.

Homes in the funded areas will be connected to the fiber optic network free of charge, requiring only the property owner's permission. To utilize the connection, residents will need to subscribe to a Deutsche Telekom tariff. Information on available tariffs can be found on the Deutsche Telekom website: www.telekom.de.

Deutsche Telekom is also exploring options to extend the fiber optic network to additional households outside the funded areas, potentially bringing the benefits of high-speed internet to even more residents in the region.

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