High-performance, secure and interoperable communications infrastructures are essential for modern digital public administration. Through Netzverbund Deutschland (NV-DE), the German federal government aims to integrate the previously fragmented public-sector networks based on common technical standards, enabling secure and reliable communication between the federal government, the federal states and municipalities.
To this end, the Federal Ministry for Digital Transformation and Government Modernisation (BMDS) is involving the digital economy in developing the architecture and standards from an early stage. As the lead industry association, eco is playing a central role and coordinating the Technical Working Group. Interested companies may submit their expressions of interest to the BMDS by 14:00 on 11 September 2026.
The Internet industry contributes technical expertise
The Technical Working Group (TAG) will develop recommendations for the target architecture and technical standards of NV-DE. The public sector will contribute its strategic requirements, while companies will provide their technical expertise and practical experience in building and operating digital infrastructures. Open standards and interoperability will play a central role. They are intended to connect different networks and services reliably, reduce technological dependencies and strengthen the digital sovereignty of Germany and Europe.
eco coordinates the Technical Working Group
As the lead industry association, eco represents the perspective of the Internet industry in the process and coordinates the work of the Technical Working Group. For eco, close dialogue between government and industry is crucial. Technical standards and architectural principles must meet the requirements of public administration while also being practical, secure, interoperable and capable of further development over the long term. Netzverbund Deutschland therefore provides an opportunity to incorporate the expertise of the Internet industry into the design of the government’s future communications infrastructure from an early stage.
Companies invited to participate
eco calls on companies in the Internet and ICT industries to contribute their expertise to the Technical Working Group and help shape the technical foundations of Netzverbund Deutschland. Applications may be submitted to the BMDS until 14:00 on 11 September 2026. Full details of the participation requirements, selection process and application procedure are available on their website.
