(Frankfurt a. M., 06.02.2025) Due to the growing demand for bandwidth and speed, the expansion of fiber optic networks is a central element of the digital infrastructure. "The existing standards provide a solid basis for the construction of sustainable fiber optic networks: they reduce costs and avoid bad investments. We rely on qualified specialists, especially in the skilled trades, to implement them," says Thomas Sentko, Standardization Manager at DKE. "We just need to use these standards consistently and not create any additional and unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles." This is prerequisite for accelerating the expansion of fiber optics and avoiding additional costs.
The standards and technical specifications required in Article 10 of the Gigabit Infrastructure Ordinance (GIA) have already been developed by the DKE together with the ZVEH and other market participants. The corresponding documents have been published in Germany in recent years and promoted in Europe in the European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization (CENELEC) and worldwide in the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).
In order to implement the Gigabit Infrastructure Ordinance, the BMDV is planning to set up a working group to examine the obligation to implement Article 10 of the GIA. "However, we see a risk in this," says Sentko. Germany has a sufficient catalog of norms and standards. Publishing additional, more specific technical documents would mean interfering with the established system of quality infrastructure. This would lead to confusion on the market in Germany and have a detrimental effect on the ambitious goal of nationwide fiber optic expansion. It would also create additional bureaucracy.
VDE and ZVEH therefore recommend supporting the quality infrastructure system that has been actively practiced in Germany for decades. The quality infrastructure is based on multilateral agreements between the WTO (World Trade Organization), the European Union and the German government and the standardization organizations. Its core consists of standardization by representatives of interested parties in the market in the DKE and the associated responsibility of the market itself.
"Our e-craft businesses are working successfully with the available norms and standards and are thus driving forward the expansion of fiber optics. Additional bureaucratic requirements not only lead to confusion, they could also slow down the pace of broadband infrastructure expansion," warns Paul Seifert, ZVEH Head of Technology and Digitization.
The position paper Position on the obligation to specify in accordance with GIA Art. 10 para. 4 is available online (German).
About DKE
The DKE German Commission for Electrical, Electronic & Information Technologies (DKE) is the national platform for about 10,000 experts from industry, science and public administration to elaborate standards and safety specifications for electrical engineering, electronics and information technology. Standards support global trade and, among other things, the safety, interoperability and functionality of products and systems. As a competence centre for electrotechnical standardization, the DKE represents the interests of German industry in European (CENELEC, ETSI) and international standardization organizations (IEC). In addition, the DKE provides comprehensive services in the field of standardization and VDE specifications.
For more information, visit www.dke.de
About the VDE
VDE, one of the largest technology organizations in Europe, has been regarded as a synonym for innovation and technological progress for more than 130 years. VDE is the only organization in the world that combines science, standardization, testing, certification, and application consulting under one umbrella. The VDE mark has been synonymous with the highest safety standards and consumer protection for more than 100 years.
Our passion is the advancement of technology, the next generation of engineers and technologists, and lifelong learning and career development “on the job”. Within the VDE network more than 2,000 employees at over 60 locations worldwide, more than 100,000 honorary experts, and around 1,500 companies are dedicated to ensuring a future worth living: networked, digital, electrical.
Shaping the e-dialistic future
The VDE (VDE Association for Electrical, Electronic & Information Technologies) is based in Frankfurt am Main. More information at www.vde.com
About the ZVEH
The Central Association of the German Electrical and IT Trades (ZVEH) represents the interests of 48,225 companies from the three trades of electrical engineering, information technology and electrical engineering. With 524,224 employees, including 46,196 trainees, the companies generate an annual turnover of 87.8 billion euros. The ZVEH, as the federal guild association, is made up of twelve state associations with 313 guilds.
More information at www.zveh.de
