EIB grants €350m for Deutsche Glasfaser’s broadband expansion

The European Investment Bank (EIB) is providing €350 million to Deutsche Glasfaser (DG) to expand its fiber broadband network in Germany, aiming to bring high-speed internet to approximately 460,000 homes and businesses in rural areas lacking adequate connectivity.

This project will enable retail internet services of up to 10 gigabits per second (Gbps), significantly faster than the current average download speeds in Europe, which are around 100 megabits per second (Mbps).

Supported by the EU’s InvestEU programme, the initiative addresses the investment gap in high-speed digital infrastructure in less populated regions, where costs and risks are typically higher.

EIB Vice President Nicola Beer emphasised the project’s role in improving living conditions and driving economic growth in rural areas, while European Commissioner Paolo Gentiloni highlighted its potential to close the digital divide.

The EIB loan complements a multi-billion-euro financing package DG secured in previous years, allowing the company to extend its network, currently serving over 2 million homes.

By 2026, DG plans to provide fiber connections to over 3 million households, with ambitions to reach up to 6 million in the future.

As Germany lags behind other European countries in fibre broadband rollout, this project supports national and EU targets for gigabit connectivity by 2030.

Attribution: The European Investment Bank (EIB)
Subediting: M. S. Salama