Berlin Achieves Full High-Speed Internet Connectivity in All Public Schools
Berlin, 28 February 2026 – All 700 public schools in Berlin are now equipped with high-performance fiber optic connections for fast internet, marking a significant milestone in the city’s digital infrastructure development. The ambitious program was completed six months ahead of its original schedule, as announced by Torsten Kühne, State Secretary for School Construction and School Digitization.
Kühne emphasized the importance of this achievement for the digital infrastructure of schools, highlighting its benefits for approximately 35,000 teachers and other school employees, as well as 400,000 students. The Senate initiated this program about three and a half years ago, in the summer of 2022, as a key component of Berlin’s broader digitization strategy. Its primary goal was to furnish schools with modern digital infrastructure, including broadband connections and Wi-Fi, ensuring that high-speed internet is readily available in every classroom.
Significant Investment in Digital Education
The total cost for this extensive project was estimated to exceed 50 million euros. The state of Berlin contributed 24 million euros, with an additional 27 million euros sourced from the federal and state governments’ Digital Pact for Schools. Martina Klement, Berlin’s State Secretary for Digitalization and Administrative Modernization, underscored the critical role of fast internet in contemporary education.
“Fast internet is as important today as water and electricity,” Klement stated. “Without a stable and fast connection, there can be no good digital education and no access to future technologies.” She further noted that with this enhanced connectivity, students can now engage with modern digital applications, including artificial intelligence (AI), directly within their classrooms, preparing them for future technological advancements.
Impact on Students and Teachers
The completion of this program means that every student and teacher in Berlin’s public school system now has access to the digital tools necessary for a modern learning environment. This includes seamless access to online educational resources, digital textbooks, collaborative learning platforms, and advanced software applications. The consistent and reliable internet access is expected to foster innovative teaching methods and improve learning outcomes across all educational levels.
The initiative is part of a broader effort by the Berlin Senate to ensure that the city’s educational institutions are at the forefront of digital transformation. By providing robust digital infrastructure, Berlin aims to bridge the digital divide and ensure equitable access to technology for all its students, regardless of their socio-economic background.
Future Implications for Berlin’s Education System
This early completion of the high-speed internet rollout positions Berlin as a leader in digital education infrastructure among major European cities. It lays the groundwork for further advancements in educational technology and digital literacy programs. The ability to integrate AI and other future technologies directly into the curriculum will empower students with essential skills for the evolving global economy.
The program’s success is a testament to the collaborative efforts between state and federal governments, demonstrating a shared commitment to modernizing the education system and investing in the future of Berlin’s youth. The focus now shifts towards maximizing the utilization of this new infrastructure to enhance pedagogical practices and create a dynamic, digitally-enabled learning environment for all.
Source: Berlin.de
