Internet users continue to surf the net with their brakes on, especially in the East of Germany – network providers rarely provide more than a data rate of 50 Mbit/s –  and only half to three quarters of all households surf at up to 50 Mbit/s. That is not enough –  according to politics, economics the average of German citizens – who, by now, often choose their place of residence according to the availability of fast Internet. One reason for the slow pace becomes evident at the trade fair “Wire”: there is not enough glass for plenty of cables.

Altena in the Sauerland –  at one time it was the wire capital of the world, but the past is ever-present here: In the valley of the Lenne there still are numerous wire-drawing mills. The products created here are in demand all around the world. But the profession of wiredrawer, spring maker or metal grinder are becoming extinct. Five years ago, they were merged into one training course: the “Fachkraft für Metalltechnik”, “metalwork technician” was born.