Fiber optic paradox: Breko finally wants to stop DSL marketing

The fiber is at the door, but the contracts remain on the shelf. Despite massive network expansion, only a few households in Germany activate modern connections – a dilemma that is putting the industry under increasing pressure.

The numbers don’t lie

In June 2026, the so-called uptake rate was a meager 27.5 percent. This means: Of the 28.7 million households and companies that theoretically have fiber optics to their front door (“Homes Passed”), just 7.9 million have concluded a corresponding contract (“Fiber to the Home”). In mid-2025 there were 24.3 million available connections with 6.6 million activations. The absolute number is growing, but the rate is stagnating at a low level. There are solid reasons for the reluctance. Many households are satisfied with their existing VDSL infrastructure, but there is simply no reason for them to switch.

Through vectoring and supervectoring, the old copper cables often reach more than 100 megabits per second, which is completely sufficient for streaming, home office and everyday life. There are also higher prices for fiber optic tariffs and practical hurdles. In apartment buildings, connections often fail due to the landlord’s lack of consent for necessary construction work in the building.

The industry is demanding radical measures

The Federal Association of Broadband Communications (Breko), which primarily represents Deutsche Telekom’s competitors, is now proposing drastic measures. In its current market analysis, the association warns of a clouded mood among network operators. The demand: As soon as 85 percent of households in a region are connected to fiber optics, the sale of classic DSL tariffs should be stopped. According to industry planning, such a transition process from copper to fiber optics takes around three years. Nationwide, 5.7 million households could already be entering this phase. Schleswig-Holstein is considered a pioneer with an expansion rate of 94 percent.

Based on a binding, rule-based timetable for switching from copper to fiber optic networks, a good three quarters (77%) of companies would be willing to make further investments in fiber optic expansion. Breko market analysis 2026

The conflict with Telekom is coming to a head

Meanwhile, a distribution battle is raging behind the scenes. The alternative network operators see themselves under pressure due to increased costs for civil engineering and materials. They are demanding clear legal requirements from the government and the Federal Network Agency. The last copper lines in Germany are to be decommissioned by 2035.