Apply for funding for broadband expansion (gigabit infrastructure expansion)

The funding is intended to enable the use of modern information and communication technologies in previously underserved areas through a reliable, affordable and high-quality broadband infrastructure.

The aim of the funding is to enable the use of modern information and communication technologies in previously underserved areas through a reliable, affordable and high-quality broadband infrastructure.

To achieve this goal, broadband projects are funded in districts and municipalities and in white or gray areas, provided that the funding is permissible under state aid law. The aim here is in particular the migration of FTTC infrastructures to FTTB and FTTH infrastructures. FTTC (Fiber To The Curb) involves laying fiber optic cables to the curb or cable junction. FTTB (Fiber To The Building) refers to the laying of optical fibers up to the building. FTTH (Fiber To The Home) refers to the laying of optical fiber to the home.

Schools, other educational institutions and business parks in particular should also benefit from the funding.

Projects can also be co-financed on the basis of the federal government's directive on "Funding to support the gigabit expansion of telecommunications networks in the Federal Republic of Germany" (Gigabit-RL 2.0).

Finally, the co-laying of empty conduits as part of construction measures for purposes other than broadband expansion is to be subsidized, primarily to exploit synergies. Furthermore, co-laying for the supply of new development areas should also be eligible for funding. Both are subject to market-based expansion and funding through other support programs.

Wirtschafts- und Infrastrukturbank Hessen

Forms available: No
Written form required: Yes
Informal application possible: No
Personal appearance necessary: No

• You must not have started implementing the project yet
• On the basis of a justified application, an exception may be permitted in individual cases, from which, however, no entitlement to funding can be derived in terms of reason or amount.
• In principle, the conclusion of a supply and service contract attributable to the execution of the project is to be regarded as the start of the project if this is directly related to the funded project.
• In the case of construction measures, planning, soil investigation and land acquisition are not considered the start of the project unless they are the sole purpose of the funding.
• Organizational preparations for publicity measures are not considered to be the start of the project if the funding recipient does not enter into any obligation to carry out the project.
• Applications for funding must be submitted to WIBank together with the necessary documents.

Action before the competent administrative court

• You submit the application online via the customer portal of Wirtschafts- und Infrastrukturbank Hessen.
• The application is then checked by Wirtschafts- und Infrastrukturbank Hessen (WIBank).
• If the outcome is positive, Wirtschafts- und Infrastrukturbank Hessen (WIBank) will issue the funding approval.