Summary
Germany struggles with poor internet and mobile coverage, even in major cities like Berlin and Munich.
Despite being Europe’s largest economy, it ranks 56th globally for broadband speed and lags behind countries like Spain.
A 2018 report found Germany’s mobile speeds slower than Albania’s, but officials delayed action. The 2023 Gigabit Strategy set fiber and mobile coverage targets for 2025–2026, but progress remains slow.
Many Germans have grown resigned, despite persistent service issues and growing frustration over the digital gap.
In the 80s there was a plan to roll out fiber optic throughout the country. But media mogul Leo Kirch lobbied for normal cable connections because he wanted his cable network TV to take off. Chancellor Helmut Kohl, his buddy, of course did what he was asked to.
So that today we could have fiber nationwide, but thanks to lobbying we don’t. Thanks to Helmut Kohl and Leo Kirch.
Speaking about the gray lobby, we could’ve had free energy and cheap internet bills if it wasn’t for these meddling misers in old fossil.