High-speed internet, and the broadband infrastructure required to supply it, are important parts of the general infrastructure required by industrialised countries to ensure economic growth and to future-proof their economies. Such infrastructure requires significant investment, which invariably needs to be financed. In Germany alone, the estimated cost required to ensure that the government's targets ("Digitale Agenda") are achieved means that several billion euros of investment and subsidies will be necessary.
This session is intended to provide an overview of the current market and the various financing options for the construction of broadband infrastructure, focussing in particular on available government support and the legal implications relating to such financings.
The agenda is outlined below.
13.30 Registration
14.00 Welcome and Introduction by the Host
Dr. Beda Wortmann, Partner, Clifford Chance Deutschland LLP
14.10 The State of Hesse as one of the Leading German Länder in the Broadband Implementation Process Through a Diversity of Implementation Models
• Lessons learned so far on the basis of operating models in the State of Hesse
• Broadband state aid programs
Georg Matzner, Head of Department, Ministry of Economics, Energy, Transport and Regional Development (HMWEVL)
14.45 Broadband Networks as the Basis for the Digitization of Industries and “Mittelstand”
• Stakeholders (network operators, energy suppliers and municipal utilities, government and municipalities)
• Regulatory framework
• Best practice examples
Dr. Beate Rickert, Managing Director, KPR Capital GmbH
15.30 Coffee Break
15.45 Report of an Industry Pioneer Based on Experiences with Various Implementation Models
Thorsten Klein, Managing Partner, Inexio – Informationstechnologie und Telekommunikation KGaA
16.30 Panel Discussion (including opening statements): "Chances and Challenges of (financing) Broadband Infrastructure"
Moderator: Dr. Beda Wortmann, Partner, Clifford Chance Deutschland LLP
• The Private Financing Perspective - Franz von Abendroth, NIBC/Stefan Michalak, NordLB
• The Investment Perspective - Gustav Egger, Partner, Deutsche Beteiligungs AG
• The Implementation Perspective - Dr. Beate Rickert, Managing Director, KPR Capital GmbH
• The Legal Perspective - Dr. Christof Häfner, Counsel, Clifford Chance Deutschland LLP
17.15 Closing Remarks
Daniel Reichert-Facilides, Chairman, IPFA Germany
17.30 Networking Drinks Reception kindly Hosted by Clifford Chance Deutschland LLP
PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS EVENT WILL BE HELD IN GERMAN.
For more information, please contact Laura Cafora e: lcafora@ipfa.org