Take fibre the last metres, into every flat.

What NE4 means

German fibre networks are described in network levels (Netzebenen). Network level 3 (NE3) brings fibre to the building, usually to a distribution point in the basement. Network level 4 (NE4) is the in-house network (Gebäudenetz): the fibre that runs from the building distributor up through the building into each individual flat, ending at a fibre socket where the customer connects a router. The Gigabitbüro des Bundes describes NE4 as laying fibre into the individual flats (bis in die einzelnen Wohnungen), which is what makes a connection true fibre to the home (FTTH).

NE4 involves more parties than the street build. The Gigabitbüro's second article sets out two common models: an operator builds, runs and manages the in-house network, or the property owner has it built on their own account (in Eigenregie) and hands over its administration.

From homes passed to homes connected

The industry's headline figure has been homes passed: fibre in the street or at the property boundary. What counts for customers is fibre inside the building. According to the BREKO market analysis 2025, published in August 2025, 52.8% of German homes were passed, but only 27.3% were connected, meaning fibre had been laid into the building. The gap between the two is largely a building-by-building job, and much of it sits in blocks of flats (Mehrfamilienhäuser).

The Gigabit Infrastructure Act

The EU's Gigabit Infrastructure Act (Regulation (EU) 2024/1309) has applied since 12 November 2025. Under Article 10, new buildings and buildings undergoing major renovation, where the building permit application is submitted after 12 February 2026, must be equipped with fibre-ready in-building physical infrastructure and in-building fibre wiring (gebäudeinterne Glasfaserverkabelung). Multi-dwelling buildings in that group must also have an access point that network operators can reach.

Article 11 gives network operators the right to roll out their network to the access point at their own cost, and to access existing in-building physical infrastructure where duplicating it would be technically impossible or economically inefficient, on fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory terms. Member States can also offer a voluntary fibre-ready label for buildings that meet the requirements.

Our guide to the Gigabit Infrastructure Act covers the dates and requirements in more detail.

What this means for operators and NE4 contractors

• New and majorly renovated blocks will come with fibre-ready infrastructure and an access point, so more of the work is wiring and connecting individual flats.
• Article 10 requires Member States to set technical standards and compliance procedures, which can include on-site inspections. Good records of each installation will matter.
• Owners, housing companies (Wohnungswirtschaft) and operators all need to see what was installed, where, and in which flat.