Who set up the company “Unsere Grüne Glasfaser”?
Headquartered in Ismaning, Germany, Unsere Grüne Glasfaser (UGG) was founded in 2020 as a joint venture between Allianz and Telefónica Group. UGG harnesses cutting-edge fibre-optic technology to provide reliable, future-proof, high-speed internet, focusing in particular on fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) broadband implementations in rural areas. The benefits of fibre networks also extend to the environment: full fibre is more energy-efficient, consuming some 60 percent less energy than older-style copper-based networks, including vectoring DSL. It also offers an excellent way to transition to fibre in the areas in which it is deployed.
Who are our investors?
UGG is a joint venture between Telefónica and Allianz, which have joined forces to roll out high-speed internet connections right across Germany. Allianz is one of the world’s largest financial services companies. As a long-term investor in UGG, it offers a wealth of experience gained from numerous fibre-optic technology investments. It also provides significant financial backing and expertise and a strong local presence. Telefónica is one of the world’s largest telecommunications companies. Drawing on its extensive technical capabilities and know-how in the deployment and operation of fibre networks, it has completed numerous successful projects in many different countries.
What is our mission?
Our mission is to implement comprehensive fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) networks with a particular focus on rural areas. In doing so, we aim to promote the high-speed society, encourage growth, and create the infrastructure required to secure digital equality throughout Germany.
What is UGG’s business model?
UGG is a vendor-agnostic infrastructure provider. We make our fibre-to-the-home infrastructure available to internet service providers, who then offer high-speed broadband under favourable terms to you, the end customer. This set-up helps to ensure the retention of attractive and innovative services over the medium term. We are open to working with any interested ISPs and local utility companies to create a network that provides end customers with high-speed broadband through sustainable full fibre technology.
In what sense are we “green”?
We are very proud of the fact that full fibre technology uses 60 percent less energy than conventional copper-based networks. That means we are making a long-term contribution to protecting the environment in addition to our eco-friendly fibre installation techniques. Our full fibre network offers a powerful and reliable solution which – based on current technical knowledge – should be fit for purpose for the next 50 years.
How is UGG financed?
UGG is a joint venture between two long-term infrastructure investors: Allianz and Telefónica Group. The return on investment is achieved by charging fees to use our fibre-optic infrastructure.
How are multi-dwelling units connected to the fibre-optic network?
In technical terms, connecting multi-dwelling units is more complex than connecting single-family homes. Please call the UGG hotline to discuss your particular case and we will work with you to find an appropriate solution.
Are there any circumstances that might make it impossible to connect to the fibre network?
Our on-site experts can generally come up with a solution to almost any potential problem (bracing issues, difficult subsoil conditions, etc.). This is generally best discussed on site during an inspection.
What role does Allianz play?
Allianz is participating in the joint venture as a long-term financial investor.
Does UGG actively pursue tenders for other infrastructure providers?
UGG’s goal is to achieve a comprehensive rollout of full fibre within a given municipality. Where appropriate, we will of course coordinate very closely with subsidised rollout projects and similar situations.
Is it in UGG’s interest to collaborate with other providers?
Unfortunately, it is not economically feasible to have a network built by several infrastructure providers.
In terms of being open to working with different providers, does UGG expect to cooperate with Deutsche Telekom as an internet service provider in the future? Does this make sense since it already has a national partner in the form of O2 ?
UGG aims to create an open network featuring a broad selection of internet service providers. We’re already holding talks with potential regional and national partners who have expressed an interest in collaborating with us. There are a comprehensive range of technical and commercial agreements that need to be considered. We are currently working with one national and two regional providers.
Is UGG currently negotiating with other providers/cooperation partners?
We are already in negotiations with several internet service providers, both national and regional, and we hope to announce further cooperation projects soon.
How many towns and municipalities has UGG already connected to fibre?
Our current projects involve some 400,000 households and are at varying stages of development. The number of households connected to fibre in each case ranges from 50 in small communities to 15,000 in small towns.
What subsidies does UGG receive from federal or state governments?
UGG is rolling out the fibre network as an independent commercial operation. It does not receive any subsidies.
Can I access a recording of an information evening after it has taken place?
If you registered for the event, you will receive an email containing a link to a recording of the event. We also provide this link to the local authority, so you can generally access the recording through your council’s website, too.
Can I download the video of the event?
Unfortunately this is not possible for data protection reasons.
What is the typical duration of your information events?
You should plan on somewhere between 60 and 90 minutes.
What percentage of a municipality’s households must participate/sign a contract for the fibre rollout to go ahead?
UGG’s fibre rollout will take place regardless of the numbers involved (provided that there is no need to build over an existing FTTH network). We do not have any minimum sign-up rate requirements.
When will your team of advisers be in the local area?
Our experts will be on site in your municipality or town from the first day after the information event.
Will the experts provide me with advice there and then? Or do they only arrange appointments? And is this advice service free?
It’s up to you! Our advisers can discuss everything with you on the spot, or you can make an appointment with them for a different time. There is no charge for this service.
If only a few households in my street are interested in full fibre, might that mean it isn’t viable?
No, that’s not something you need to worry about. UGG doesn’t require a minimum number of sign-ups in order to go ahead with its fibre rollout. It will install its fibre network in the public highways of your municipality regardless of how many people in a particular street have signed up.
What steps are involved in connecting my home to full fibre? And how many times will you need to visit my property?
After the information evening, your next steps are as follows:
- Personal consulting session
- Conclusion of contract
- Building inspection
- Installation of the cable from the boundary of the property to the building
- Installation of premises cabling
- Activation
I would like two connections. Is that possible?
That’s no problem provided that your property has two official dwelling units.
Can all the residents in my municipality order a fibre-to-the-home connection?
UGG’s goal is to give as many citizens as possible the opportunity to connect their household to our fibre network. In principle, we strive for a comprehensive fibre rollout across the entire municipality based on plans drawn up in coordination with the local authorities. However, properties that are situated a long way from the centre of the municipality will need to be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
I rent my home. Can I still order a fibre-to-the-home connection?
Yes, you can, though you will need permission from your landlord. Please talk to them and ask them to sign the wayleave agreement or to get in touch with us so that we can install a fibre-to-the-home connection.
Our house is divided into two dwelling units. We live in one of the flats ourselves and rent out the other one. If I order a fibre-to-the-home connection for my flat, does that mean my tenants will also have to order fibre?
No, the connection to your flat is independent to that of your tenants. In this case, we would simply prepare the network for the number of dwelling units up to the demarcation point. Each individual flat can then be provided with its own separate optical network terminal. The building/flat owners are responsible for installing the cabling within their property.
What’s the situation with owner-occupied flats? Is a separate connection made to each flat?
The cable laid to the demarcation point will be scaled for the total number of dwelling units in the building. The flat owners themselves are then responsible for installing the cabling from the demarcation point to their flat.
Can I have DSL and fibre at the same time?
Yes. They are two separate lines that do not interfere with each other. The fibre-optic cable is laid as a standalone line.
How can I find out when full fibre will be available at my address?
As soon as the detailed planning is completed, we will provide the local authorities with an installation schedule. This will then be made available on your municipality’s website.
Will you let me know where to send my order and what the deadline is for submitting it?
You can submit your order via the available channels right now.
We can currently make two telephone calls at the same time. Is that also possible with fibre? Does it cost extra?
It’s certainly technically possible, but it ultimately comes down to the tariffs and options offered by the available internet service providers. You will need to contact your chosen ISP to find out the answer to this question.
Can I use fibre for both internet and telephone services?
You can use fibre broadband for all telecommunications services (internet, IP telephony, TV). The services available to you depend on what is provided by your internet service provider.
What is FTTH?
Fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) – also known as full fibre – is a network technology that delivers the highest possible bandwidth/speed of internet connections. Full fibre involves extending fibre-optic cabling all the way to your home or office. It allows users to download data up to 10 times faster than DSL, for example. An FTTH network can also be used by multiple people at the same time without impacting performance.
How does the technology work?
Optical fibres are made by drawing molten glass into long threads. These fibres are then bundled together to produce a fibre-optic cable. This is the perfect optical waveguide for transmitting data in the form of light, because it can transfer large amounts of data in a fraction of a second. Fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) networks deliver full fibre all the way to your door, which means – unlike DSL and VDSL – you get access to the maximum available internet speeds. Fibre-optic cables also set new standards in terms of reliability, because fibre is much more resistant than copper wiring to magnetic and electrical interference. This also increases protection against eavesdropping.
How fast is full fibre?
Can fibre also be used for telephone services? Or only for the internet?
You can use fibre broadband for all telecommunications services (internet, IP telephony, TV). The available services depend on what is offered by your internet service provider.
Demarcation point
The demarcation point is the point at which the fibre cable physically enters the building. From this point, the fibre-optic signal is sent to the network termination (NT).
What does ONT stand for?
The abbreviation ONT stands for “optical network termination” and is sometimes referred to as the network termination point. This is what you connect the router to.
Can I have DSL and fibre at the same time?
Yes, they are two separate lines that do not interfere with each other. The fibre-optic line is installed as a separate line.
What technical features must I have in my house?
You need to have a 230 V power socket within a maximum radius of one to two metres from the ONT. If you already have network cabling in your home, it should meet the requirements of CAT 5e or above (CAT (e) / CAT 6 / CAT 7 cable).
Can I continue to use my existing router?
Please check with your internet service provider to find out whether your router is compatible with the high-speed fibre broadband connection.
Who will carry out the excavation and installation works? UGG itself or subcontractors?
We employ professional, certified civil works partners who will carry out the work on site on our behalf. This will include a survey of the initial situation and a final inspection after the works are completed to ensure that everything is restored to its original state.
How will the fibre-optic cable enter my house?
We always look for the best solution based on the particular circumstances in each case. Wherever possible, we take a minimally invasive approach to laying the cable from the street to the building. Ideally this requires just two small holes. We then drill a small hole into the cellar wall to create a point of entry. This hole is sealed once the works are completed.
If there is already an empty cable duct between the pavement and the building, will you use it?
During the building inspection, we will discuss whether there is any possibility of using an existing stretch of empty ductwork. Where possible, and with your agreement, we will use an empty duct that is already in place.
Whose job is it to install the cable ducts?
We will install the cable ducts for you. At the end of the building inspection, we will agree on an installation date that suits you. The empty cable ducts must be installed in such a way that the only remaining task is to pull the fibre-optic cable through the pipe without subjecting the cable to tensile load.
I don’t have a cellar. How will the fibre-optic cable enter the building?
It is also possible to feed the fibre-optic cable into the building above ground. We will discuss this with you during the building inspection and document the steps to be taken.
Can the cabling simply be routed to me from my next-door neighbour’s property?
Unfortunately not. Each property must be connected directly to the cable network in the street.
How will the fibre connection be installed in my flat?
The first step is to install the demarcation point near where the cable enters the building. We then install the optical network terminator (ONT) and connect it to the demarcation point via an optical cable. You can then connect your router directly to the ONT.
Do you also install premises cabling?
The property owner is responsible for the cabling on the premises. Your chosen internet service provider may offer a service to help you install premises cabling. Alternatively, some electrical contractors also offer premises cabling services. We do not currently offer this service.
Who will install the cable ducts in the building?
The point of entry to the building (i.e. laying the empty cable duct to the demarcation point) will be professionally executed either by us or by experts contracted by us. If you wish to have the ONT on the ground floor of your building, you will need to prepare the cable trays so that they are ready for the cable to run smoothly through them (i.e. so that all that needs to be done is to feed the fibre-optic cable through the cable trays/empty ducts without subjecting it to any tensile load).
When can I start using my connection again?
Once your building has been connected up, the terminal devices have been installed, and your internet service provider has activated your line, you can normally start using your internet connection straight away. Please check with your internet service provider for more details.
What’s the situation with owner-occupied flats? Is a separate connection made to each flat?
The demarcation point will be scaled for the total number of dwelling units in the building. The flat owners themselves are then responsible for installing the cabling from the demarcation point to their flat.
Can all the residents in my municipality order a fibre-to-the-home connection?
Our goal is to give as many residents as possible the chance to connect their house or flat to our fibre network. To do this, we start by making a rough plan of the municipality to analyse how far each building is from the centre. We cannot guarantee that we will be able to connect our fibre network to properties situated a long way from the centre of the municipality. In this situation, we simply have to assess each property on a case-by-case basis.
I rent my home. Can I still order a fibre-to-the-home connection?
Yes, you can, but you will need your landlord’s permission. Please talk to them and ask them to sign the wayleave agreement or to get in touch with us so that we can install a fibre-to-the-home connection.
Our house is divided into two dwelling units. We live in one of the flats ourselves and rent out the other one. If I order a fibre-to-the-home connection for my flat, does that mean my tenants will also have to order fibre?
No. In this case, we would simply prepare the network for the number of dwelling units up to the demarcation point. Each individual flat can then be provided with its own separate optical network terminal (ONT). Each flat owner is responsible for installing the cabling from the demarcation point to their flat.
When will the building inspection take place and how can I choose a date?
The building inspection will be carried out before the installation works commence. We will contact you well beforehand to make an appointment.
Where do you document the decisions and agreements made during the building inspection?
All the agreements made during the building inspection are recorded in an inspection report. We will give you a copy of this report so that you can carry out all the necessary preparations prior to the installation date.
What contract options are available?
If you sign a contract with one of the internet service providers listed above during the special-offer period, you will receive the fibre connection free of charge. Our advisers will soon be visiting your municipality to provide more information on our fibre network. You can also choose to sign a contract immediately if you are ready to do so.
Can I also sign an intranet contract with Telekom, 1&1 or Vodafone?
We are currently working with O2 as a national internet service provider and Eifel-DSL and Stiegeler as regional providers. In its role as an open-access fibre provider, UGG aims to make as many ISPs as possible available through its network in the future. We are currently in talks with other providers who are also interested in offering their products through our network.
Who will terminate the contract with my previous provider?
Your previous contract will be terminated through the number portability process. In the first instance, your telephone contract will be terminated. If you have a broadband and phone bundle and the contract is in one name, both services will be cancelled. Your new internet service provider will do this for you.
I am still tied into a long contract with my current provider. Can I sign a contract now for some X point in the future?
We recommend that you seek advice from the internet service provider’s customer advisers and find out exactly when you can make the switch. Alternatively, you can choose to pay a fee of € 815.15 to get your house connected. This fee will be refunded to you provided that you sign an eligible contract with an internet service provider in the first 24 months thereafter.
Can I still get my house connected to fibre for free if I sign a contract with a different telecommunications provider?
To get your house connected to fibre for free, you must sign an internet contract with an internet service provider with whom we have already concluded a cooperation agreement. To find out which internet service providers we have already partnered with, please consult the information provided.
If I sign a contract with a particular provider in order to get a free fibre connection, does that mean I will never be allowed or able to switch to a different provider in the future?
We are currently working with three internet service providers who offer their services via our network. UGG’s goal is to conclude further cooperation agreements in the future. Currently, all the eligible fixed-term internet contracts run for a minimum of 24 months. Please contact the respective internet service provider for more details.
What costs will I have to pay?
The cost of connecting your premises to the fibre network is currently included in the price of the contracts offered by the internet service providers. You can also choose to have a fibre connection installed to your premises without an ISP contract as long as you bear a portion of the costs. For more details of the various options, please visit https://www.unseregrueneglasfaser.de/downloads
How much will it cost me to get connected if I want to stay with my current provider?
You have two options. One is to have your premises connected to our fibre network without signing a tariff-based ISP contract. You can see how much this will cost in the premises connection document. Alternatively, you can sign a second tariff-based contract with one of our internet service providers to run in parallel with your existing contract. To find out how much this second option would cost, please consult the tariffs offered by our internet service provider partners.
Can I still get my house connected to fibre for free if I sign a contract with a different telecommunications provider?
To get your house connected to fibre for free, you must sign an internet contract with an internet service provider with whom we have already concluded a cooperation agreement. To find out which internet service providers we have already partnered with, please consult the information provided.
