Digital infrastructure coverage in Bavaria

For over a decade, the Bavarian Industry Association has been tracking the development of digital networks in Bavaria. The latest study, covering the year 2025, confirms strong deployment results, although it remains clear that there is still a long way to go before achieving comprehensive coverage with fiber-optic connections and 5G mobile technology.

Fiber-optic deployment is making significant progress, but still has ground to make up

Currently, 98.5 percent of wired connections in Bavaria’s digital networks offer users a solid service of 100 Mbps. The rollout of gigabit connections is also progressing well. However, despite high growth rates, there is still much to be done. Fiber-optic connections reaching end customers currently cover just under 36 percent of households and just under 40 percent of all businesses.

5G now covers large parts of Bavaria

While 4G mobile connectivity is now available almost everywhere, there is still significant room for improvement in some areas of the providers’ 5G networks. A survey along Bavarian highways and federal roads in seven selected metropolitan areas shows no significant flaws during periods of heavy traffic. However, there are differences in download and upload speeds between the three providers and the regions surveyed. The mobile network subsidy programs of the Free State of Bavaria and the federal government, which have since been discontinued, will bring about improvements. These programs will make it possible to close network gaps in regions that are not economically viable.

Targeted policy initiatives for network expansion remain essential

The digital transformation is continuing in companies and increasing the demand for modern digital infrastructure. Therefore, targeted policy initiatives for the expansion of fiber-optic and 5G networks are indispensable.

The Bavarian Industry Association has published a study in German on this issue. You can download it from our German-language website.