The fibre-optic network should be fully constructed by the end of 2033. Over 142,000 households and businesses in Kassel and Vellmar should benefit from it. About 40,000 buildings will be connected to the network within the next ten years. The comprehensive expansion of fibre-optic cables into the buildings has already started and is known as “Fibre to the Home” (FTTH). In future, citizens of Kassel and Vellmar can look forward to high-speed internet of up to 1 Gbit/s.
NSG is responsible for expanding and maintaining the fibre optic network. Telekom is responsible for installing the technology and operating the network. To ensure provider diversity, the network will be launched using an open-access approach, i.e. not only Telekom but also Telekom’s wholesale partners will be able to access it.
For several months, BBH conducted contract negotiations with Telekom for NSG on the expansion and leasing of dark fibre. In this context, BBH ensured that the interests of Städtische Werke were considered and the existing network used to a greater extent.
Lawyer and BBH partner Axel Kafka is pleased about the project’s completion: “Enabling around 142,000 households and businesses access to the network is quite remarkable! The FTTH expansion in Kassel and Vellmar will not only benefit the local economy and consumers but also generate long-term rental income for NSG.”
“The comprehensive fibre-optic expansion is usually a massive challenge for cities, municipalities, public utilities and telecommunications companies,” says BBH lawyer specialising in IT law Julien Wilmes-Horváth. However, by working together, we can create synergies and find ways to prevent overbuilding while also considering other (own) interests (such as the digitalisation of energy networks). Moreover, the potential of fibre optics to add value has not yet been fully realised.”
Becker Büttner Held is a leading provider of advisory services for energy and infrastructure companies and their customers. Energy and supply companies, particularly public utilities, municipalities and local authorities, industrial companies and international groups are among its core clients. BBH advises these and many other companies and organisations in all legal matters and also assists them with business and strategic advice.
Contact:
Prof. Dr Ines Zenke
Rechtsanwältin/Lawyer, Partner
Phone +49 (0)30 611 28 40 - 179
ines.zenke@bbh-online.de
Visit BBH online at www.die-bbh-gruppe.de, www.bbh-blog.de, twitter.com/BBH_online or instagram.com/die_bbh_gruppe.