2023-08-12 07:01:04
The Internet Monitor Annual Report 2022 shows that the federal government’s subsidies for fast fiber optic connections are well received by the population and companies.
Vienna (OTS) – In today’s networked world, a fast and stable internet connection is crucial for an attractive business location. The Federal Government is therefore investing a total of 1.4 billion euros in broadband expansion by 2026 as part of the second broadband billion. The investments made so far are paying off, as the Internet Monitor for the year 2022 by Rundfunk und Telekom Regula- tion GmbH (RTR) shows. Around 62% of all Austrian households already have a gigabit-capable Internet connection. As of the end of last year, fiber optic connections are up 30%.
“As the federal government, we have set ourselves an ambitious goal:
Supply Austria with fixed and mobile gigabit connections nationwide by 2030. The 30% increase in fast fiber optic Internet connections over the past year shows that our subsidies are reaching the public and companies,” said Finance Minister Magnus Brunner, who is also responsible for digitization.
“In 2022 alone, we invested EUR 900 million in broadband expansion from the second broadband billion. There has never been so much money for broadband expansion. Our efforts are paying off, because around 62% of all Austrian households now have a gigabit-capable Internet connection. We are well on the way to becoming one of the digitization winners,” says State Secretary for Digitization Florian Tursky.
Data consumption continues to increase
The 10% increase in data consumption to a total of 9,414 petabytes also shows that investments in gigabit-capable broadband expansion are necessary. Of this, 5,753 petabytes were used via fixed broadband connections. There are many reasons for the annual increase in data consumption. Among other things, the streaming of high-resolution videos, the increasing use of messenger services and the increasing number of networked applications (Internet of Things) contribute to this.
Confederation continues to promote
For many small businesses, however, the connection to the fast fiber optic network is particularly expensive because the connection often requires civil engineering measures. These costs are subsidized for small companies and public institutions with up to EUR 50,000 through the Connect subsidy of the federal government.
“With the recently passed Digital Austria Act, we can make the best possible use of the opportunities offered by digitization. However, the basis for this is the connection to the digital infrastructure, and the expansion of fast broadband Internet is often expensive, especially in remote areas. Thanks to the Connect funding, small companies and public institutions benefit from up to 50,000 euros. Our place of work and business, and thus all citizens, will benefit in the long term from good broadband coverage,” Tursky concludes.
The RTR Internet Monitor for 2022 is published on the RTR website: http://www.rtr.at/internet-monitor-2022
About Connect Funding:
bandfoerderung/breitbandaustria2030/connect.html
Questions & contact:
Ing. Michael Tögel, BA
Deputy Press Spokesman of the Secretary of State
Office of State Secretary Florian Tursky, MSc. MBA.
Mobil: +43 664 8581576
Email: michael.toegel@bmf.gv.at
Web: www.bmf.gv.at
1691824497
#Austrias #data #highway #growing #fiber #optic #connections #increased
