September 2025
In a positive and festive atmosphere, Provincial Councillor Sebastian Schuschnig, Mayor Josef Zoppoth, Peter Schark, Petra Rodiga-Laßnig (Kelag-Connect) and Gerald Puck (DPB) announced the launch of the fibre-optic network in Kötschach-Mauthen.
At the start of the event, Sebastian Schuschnig emphasised the significance of the occasion: “Broadband is the infrastructure of the 21st century and is of particular importance for rural areas. By ensuring the roll-out covers as much of the area as possible, we are strengthening our communities and making an important contribution to regional development.”In the market town, over 50 km of cable was laid over a construction period of just under two years to connect both densely populated and more remote districts to the fibre-optic network. BIK invested more than 6 million euros in the project.
Both private households and businesses stand to benefit equally from this. This was also confirmed by Hans-Rainer Gailer on behalf of the local firm Gailer Versicherungsmakler GmbH: “Fast internet is incredibly important for businesses today – information means a competitive edge.”
Thanks to the excellent collaboration with Kelag Connect and the construction company DPB GmbH, the roll-out and commissioning of the network have laid an important foundation for the digital future of rural areas.