Fiber Optics for the Future
Interview with Thomas Heitmann, Managing Director of htp GmbH
As digitalization progresses, a stable and future-ready infrastructure is more important than ever. In Lower Saxony, htp GmbH has been ensuring powerful networks for decades - and has set standards with its fiber optic expansion. Being a regionally rooted telecommunications company, htp combines technical expertise with the ambition to actively shape the digital transformation - for both private and business customers alike.
Wirtschaftsforum: Mr. Heitmann, how did htp GmbH come about?
Thomas Heitmann: The foundation dates back to 1996 – a time when the telecommunications market was just being liberalized. At that time, four Hanoverian institutions joined forces: the city utilities, the transportation company ÜSTRA, the Stadtsparkasse Hannover, and the state capital itself. All had their own fiber optic networks, which were initially used for internal purposes. However, it quickly became clear: This infrastructure could and should also be made usable for third parties. This initially led to the creation of HTN, which was later renamed to htp GmbH – originally the acronym stood for 'Hannover's Telephone Partner'. Since then, our service area has expanded beyond Hanover to regions such as Hildesheim, Peine, the Heidekreis, Braunschweig, or the district of Wolfenbüttel.
Wirtschaftsforum: What role does htp play in the telecommunications market today?
Thomas Heitmann: With over 260 employees and around 135,000 customers, we are a major player in our region. We are particularly proud of our dual market presence: we serve about 10,000 business customers as well as a broad base of private customers – with a nearly balanced revenue share. Over the past six years, we have invested around 210 million EUR in fiber optic expansion – a clear commitment to the future viability of our networks. Thanks to our commitment, the entire Hannover-Hildesheim-Braunschweig region has developed into one of the best-fitted fiber optic areas in Germany.
Wirtschaftsforum: What services does htp offer besides fiber optic expansion?
Thomas Heitmann: In addition to broadband expansion, we operate our own data centers as an infrastructure service provider. This includes power supply, cooling, and security concepts – all from a single source. Our product portfolio also includes traditional telephone services, security solutions, and mobile services – the latter through partner solutions. Essentially, we cover the entire spectrum that even large national providers offer – but regionally focused and with much shorter decision-making processes.
Wirtschaftsforum: What about future technologies – such as AI?
Thomas Heitmann: Artificial intelligence plays a role for us on several levels. On one hand, our networks enable the use of such technologies in the region – on the other hand, we also use AI ourselves, for instance in process automation. This is essential for medium-sized companies to remain competitive in the long term. At the same time, it must not be forgotten: AI is a huge energy consumer. Therefore, it is vital that we contribute to digitalization with energy-efficient infrastructure – and fiber optic networks definitely belong to this – without losing sight of our ecological responsibility.
Wirtschaftsforum: What role does energy efficiency play in the expansion of fiber optics?
Thomas Heitmann: The ecological footprint of fiber optics is proven to be significantly lower than that of traditional copper networks. Although sustainability was not the primary driver for widespread expansion initially, it has now become a central aspect of our strategic alignment. Fiber optics consume significantly less energy, while offering higher performance and stability – a clear advantage, especially in the face of increasing environmental requirements and energy policy challenges.
Wirtschaftsforum: And what about acceptance among the population?
Thomas Heitmann: In fact, we see that only about half of the households that could order fiber optics actually use our services actively. This is unfortunate – because we could reach many more people. Network stability is a real argument, especially for home office, telemedicine, or education. Here, I would like more public education – also through politics and the media. A street full of unused fibers does not advance digitalization at all.
Wirtschaftsforum: How do you attract new specialists in an increasingly competitive job market?
Thomas Heitmann: We focus on targeted training, flexible work models, and a strong corporate culture. Due to our local roots and the purpose our work provides – namely digitization for local people – we are attractive to many applicants. Furthermore, we invest in modern workplaces, further education, and an open communication culture that promotes personal responsibility.
Wirtschaftsforum: What are your long-term goals?
Thomas Heitmann: We are economically well-positioned and have a clear strategy: maintain our closeness to customers, continue to invest in infrastructure, and actively co-shape digitization. I am convinced: the market will consolidate, many smaller providers will have a hard time. htp, on the other hand, will assert itself as a strong, reliable partner – with innovative solutions and a regional focus.