Viennese companies are pushing for an acceleration of broadband expansion. This was the result of a survey by the Vienna Chamber of Commerce (WKW), as Martin Heimhilcher, chairman of the information and consultancy department at WKW, explained. According to the chamber representative, internet connection satisfaction among businesses has improved recently, but 63 percent believe that action still needs to be taken with higher bandwidths.
“Fast internet is just as important as access to electricity and water,” says Heimhilcher with conviction. At first glance, Vienna is not too bad in terms of infrastructure: the coverage rate with broadband connections is 97.3 percent. Vienna ranks second behind Salzburg in a comparison of the federal states. However, 65 percent of connections are not gigabit compatible.
And the “last mile” looks bad too. Only about 20 percent of fixed broadband connections rely on fiber optic lines to the building. Initiatives are needed here to improve the situation. Heimhilcher demands, among other things, that the shared use of the existing infrastructure be made easier. The city is addressed directly here. He points out that they have a significant fiber optic network through their outsourced companies such as Wiener Netze. Where exactly the lines are located is not shown transparently enough.
Faster procedures
Emphasis is also placed on accelerating procedures. Expanding broadband in Vienna will require numerous permits, Heimhilcher said. According to him, it would make sense to combine and simplify the procedures. Alternative laying methods must also be promoted, the Chamber of Commerce demands. In Vienna, for example, the emphasis is still on civil engineering. The less complex milling of narrow slots in the concrete (“trenching”) is common in other federal states, but does not meet the guidelines in Vienna. Financial incentives are also proposed for homeowners to replace old pipes in their homes.
In principle, satisfaction with the interface with the World Wide Web has increased among Viennese companies. 70 percent are satisfied with their internet connection. In a similar study from the recent past, this was around 60 percent. This time, only 12 percent complained about frequent disruptions.
It was also asked whether artificial intelligence is used in the daily work life of companies. 38 percent – of the 1,600 participating companies – said they did this. 66 percent believed that AI solutions will make people’s lives easier and better. However, 19 percent also expressed fear that their activity or job would be replaced by AI.
Source: Krone
I’m Ben Stock, a journalist and author at Today Times Live. I specialize in economic news and have been working in the news industry for over five years. My experience spans from local journalism to international business reporting. In my career I’ve had the opportunity to interview some of the world’s leading economists and financial experts, giving me an insight into global trends that is unique among journalists.
