FIBER OPTIC EXPANSION IN CARINTHIA: A LEAP INTO THE DIGITAL FUTURE
A significant step towards digital transformation is on the horizon: by 2027, a whopping €300 million will be invested in expanding the fiber optic network in Carinthia. This massive infrastructure initiative promises not only faster internet but also many new economic opportunities for the region.
INVESTMENTS FOR THE FUTURE
Broadband Infrastructure Carinthia (“Breitbandinfrastruktur Kärnten” - short: BIK) and Kelag have officially launched this ambitious project. Over 56,000 new fiber optic connections in 40 municipalities are set to be completed by 2027 – a quantum leap for Carinthia's digital landscape. This year alone, €85 million is being invested in broadband expansion. As part of the "Broadband Billion 2030" initiative, approximately €200 million in federal and state funds will be allocated to Carinthia's fiber optic expansion by 2027.
Currently, the regions "Kärnten Süd-Hochobir," "Kärnten Süd-Hochstuhl," "Lavanttal," and "Großregion Gurktal" are being developed. The expansion follows clear guidelines: BIK is responsible for laying the fiber optic network in areas that are unprofitable for private companies, while Kelag handles the connection of households and businesses that are economically viable without subsidies. The goal is to achieve the widest possible coverage of households and businesses in Carinthia. One challenge is ensuring that at least 40% of households and businesses in the target municipalities participate – a clearly defined prerequisite for implementation.
THE PLAN FOR VILLACH AND SURROUNDING AREAS
Villach is also gearing up for a digital future. While BIK is not active in the Klagenfurt and Villach areas, fiber optic providers A1 and Magenta Telekom are coordinating their activities in Villach’s urban area. This collaboration, initiated by the city, is considered a pioneering project in Austria. For the first time, lines will be jointly laid to property boundaries in the Judendorf district. Further installations are planned in Völkendorf, Warmbad, and Pödriach. Through this cooperation, resources can be optimally utilized, construction times reduced, and the fiber optic offering for Villach residents improved. The expansion holds great significance for Villach as a hub for tourism, business, logistics, and education.
These extensive investments and expansion projects mark a crucial step for Carinthia into a digital future that will not only improve the quality of life for its residents but also strengthen the region's economic competitiveness.