• Logo Dnsnet Cropped
    DNS:NET
    Germany

    Communications

    Overview

    DNS:NET is a leading independent telecommunications provider in Germany. Established in 1998, DNS:NET owns the largest independent fibre-to-the-cabinet network in the Berlin area and is rolling out a fibre-to-the home network in Berlin and the surrounding regions.

    The company differentiates itself through a superior network, local brand recognition and attractive pricing of high bandwidth products, which drives high customer satisfaction. 3i Infrastructure’s backing will allow DNS:NET to accelerate its build programme to provide gigabit-ready connectivity to its customers. 

    Recent Developments

    In line with our business plan, in December 2022, 3iN invested a further €18 million into DNS:NET in support of its continued FTTH roll-out. DNS:NET, like many players across the sector, has experienced delays in connecting and activating waiting customers on its network. It has also experienced delays in the handover of local authority constructed networks that it will then operate. We have updated our forecasts to reflect these delays.

    In January 2023, Andre Mueller was appointed as CFO. He brings a wealth of experience as a senior finance professional across a range of sectors. Work has also been undertaken during the year to further strengthen the management team, with further recruitment expected to be announced in the summer.

    Note:  FTTH: Fibre-to-the-home. 

    Investment rationale

    In June 2021, 3i Infrastructure plc invested c.€182m to acquire a 60% stake in DNS:NET.

    Fibre is superior to other broadband access technologies because it provides reliable low latency, high bandwidth and distance-independent connectivity for both download and upload.  Demand for FTTH connectivity is forecast to grow rapidly, as consumers normalise data intensive activities such as cloud-based remote working, high definition streaming and online gaming, and increasingly view high speed broadband as an essential service.

    Germany lags behind most European countries in its FTTH deployment, with only 14% coverage today compared to the European average of 33%.  The market is projected to grow at 30% p.a. to meet the German government’s objective of every one of its 43 million households having access to gigabit speed broadband by 2025.

    Sustainability

    DNS:NET is currently investing in fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) infrastructure in the East of Germany: in Berlin vicinity; Brandenburg and Saxony Anhalt. This will provide high speed connectivity for homes in the region and in turn will support local economic growth. From an environmental standpoint, DNS:NET’s fibre network has a very low GHG footprint once deployed. Fibre is a greener alternative to copper cables, requiring significantly less energy and fewer maintenance and repair interventions. Reliable high-speed connectivity also facilitates an increase in virtual meetings and WFH, reducing emissions related to business travel and commuting. It is also key for new digital use cases, such as demand side management or smart building energy management systems, which will further drive energy efficiency and carbon reduction.