On Monday, the Federal Ministry for Digital and Governmental Modernization (BDMS) launched a campaign for fiber optics entitled “The Best Internet.” The aim is to educate German citizens about the advantages of fiber optics and motivate them to use the connections that are already available.
The background to the advertising efforts is that many households where fiber optics have already been installed in the house or street are not yet signing up for offers. They see no urgent need to say goodbye to their DSL or cable connection, as the speeds achievable with these are still sufficient for their current online needs. However, it is clear that copper technology will reach its limits in the medium term.
“Fiber optics are the foundation of our digital society,” emphasizes Digital State Secretary Markus Richter. Where optical cables are available, “we should also use them – for fast internet, modern working and living environments, and the future of our country.” High demand is important to further accelerate expansion. With this campaign, the BMDS wants to “inform citizens and jointly drive digital progress forward.”
Guide for the undecided
The messages, developed in collaboration with Hesse’s Digital Minister Kristina Sinemus (CDU), are primarily aimed at tenants, property owners, and businesses in regions where fiber optics have already been laid but are not yet widespread. The main message is: “Don’t settle for second best.”
Fiber optic connections are up to four times faster than the fastest DSL connections, especially when uploading data, writes the BMDS in a “guide for the undecided.” Performance does not decrease with distance from the distribution node. Even if many neighbors are online, the bandwidth remains constant, which is often not the case with other types of connections.
With a low latency (delay) of less than 10 milliseconds, the connection responds noticeably faster, it continues. This is particularly advantageous for online gaming and video telephony. In the past, fiber optics came at a price. Today, rates are regularly comparable to DSL or cable. Providers also generally cover the connection costs of €800 to €2,500 if customers sign a contract early on.
A strong signal for an upgrade?
With this campaign, Digital Minister Karsten Wildberger (CDU) is sending “a strong signal for fiber optic internet,” said the Federal Association for Broadband Communication (Breko), welcoming the move. The more citizens who decide to upgrade, the faster the expansion will progress. In general, providers such as Deutsche Glasfaser and Vodafone are already advertising a switch similarly on their websites.
The campaign is running on the BMDS’s social media channels and on YouTube. In addition, there are online and print ads as well as posters in public spaces. On Monday afternoon, the BMDS did not initially provide any information to heise online about the costs and planned duration.
(emw)
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This article was originally published in
It was translated with technical assistance and editorially reviewed before publication.
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