Only 317,000 of these connections are currently activated – and therefore almost 17 percent of the potential. According to the RTR Internet Monitor, 1.9 million broadband connections could currently be established. However, there is at least one positive trend: the number of activated connections up to the first quarter has increased by 22 percent within a year.
“There is still a lot of room for improvement in demand,” said Klaus Steinmaurer, RTR’s managing director for telecommunications and post. “The alternatives are apparently still good enough for many people. But I assume that this will change soon.”
This is also reflected in user behavior: In the first quarter of this year, 2,950 petabytes of data volume – ten percent more than a year earlier – were consumed via fixed and mobile networks. The volume of data transmitted via mobile networks increased by 17 percent to 1,266 petabytes. The data volume via landline networks only increased by almost seven percent to 1,684 petabytes.
Energie AG second largest provider
Around 751,000 of the 1.9 million available connections are in Vienna. There is already capacity for 276,000 connections in Upper Austria and around 266,000 connections in Lower Austria. Burgenland has the fewest households and is therefore at the bottom of the list in Austria with 17,500 available connections.
There are currently a large number of mostly smaller providers. With a 30.3 percent market share, A1 Telekom Austria is the market leader for fiber optic connections, followed by Energie AG Oberösterreich (6.9 percent) and Kabelplus (6.8 percent).
More on the topic
Real estate: fiber optic network is an important purchase criterion
What are the benefits of fiber optic connectivity for homebuyers in today’s real estate market?
Iterion
In today’s digital age, having access to a robust fiber optic network has become a significant criterion for potential homebuyers. Fast internet connectivity is increasingly viewed as essential, influencing decisions when purchasing properties. The importance of broadband access resonates strongly, especially in regions where the demand for high-speed internet continues to rise.
As reported, the consumption of data is surging, with mobile network traffic experiencing notable growth. In the first quarter of the year alone, mobile data usage increased by 17%, reflecting the escalating reliance on internet services for everyday activities ranging from remote work to streaming services.
With major providers like A1 Telekom Austria holding a dominant market share alongside Energie AG Oberösterreich and Kabelplus, the competitive landscape is evolving. The availability of fiber optic connections varies across regions, with urban areas like Vienna having a substantial number of connections compared to rural areas like Burgenland. As such, the presence of a fiber optic network is not just a luxury but a necessity for those looking to secure property in a competitive real estate market.
The shift towards prioritizing such infrastructure showcases the critical role that connectivity plays in modern living, potentially changing how properties are valued and marketed in the future.