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OCTOBER 2024 EDITION

- Latest news from our Members
 

- Telecom digest:
 

• European Commission approves PPF Telecom acquisition by e& under the FSR and of Vodafone Italia by Swisscom
• CNMC Proposes 20% Price Hike on Telefonica’s Network
• ANACOM green lights Digi Portugal’s acquisition of Cabonitel
• Telecom Slowdown: Operators Scale Back 5G and Broadband Investments
• FTTH Council Europe welcomes the proposal of copper switch off in the Draghi report on the future of Europe’s competitiveness
• Four weeks away from the FTTH Congress Balkans – bolstering FTTH adoption in South-Eastern Europe

- Next events from the FTTH Council Europe

Barbara Tonarelli, Chair of the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee, shares valuable insights into the activities of her working group, explaining why a wide representation from our membership is essential to its scope. In this episode of our series, Barbara also deeps dives into the importance of fostering a diverse and inclusive environment at the workplace, essential to attract and retain talents, in times where our industry needs trained resources more than ever.

 Read more and dive into the insights from the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee.

NEWS FROM OUR MEMBERS

Thanks to access to fast fiber optic connectivity, even the least accessible communities are now finding new opportunities for learning, work and integration. On the Open Fiber website, an in-depth look at digital literacy, which is not only a technological skill but also a powerful tool for social emancipation.

Deutsche Glasfaser: Streamlining fiber network lifecycle Deutsche Glasfaser one of Germany’s fastest growing broadband operators turned to IQGeo as the foundation for their Plan – Build – Operate network lifecycle strategy, ensuring a single source of network truth. Accelerating FTTH rollout for thousands of homes and accurate data essentials for long-term network operations. Keep reading on IQGeo’s website.

Think fiber inspection isn’t crucial for FTTH activation? Think again. In today’s demanding networks, skipping this step can lead to costly service disruptions. EXFO’s latest blog flips the script, showing why smarter, faster inspection is key to delivering rock-solid service. Ready to rethink your approach and ensure trouble-free broadband activation? Read now.

Explore the challenges and innovative strategies behind deploying fiber to the home (FTTH) in rural Europe. This white paper by Corning delves into the urgent need for high-speed connectivity, the complexities of rural installations, and how tailored approaches can bridge the digital divide by 2030.

Migrating from HFC to PON is a crucial step for service providers looking to stay competitive and future-proof their networks. With the right strategies and solutions in place, the migration can be seamless and cost-effective, setting the stage for long-term success. Discover how to make your PON migration a success with expert insights and proven approaches on Calix's blog.

Adran explores 50G PON's potential to transform access networks, this blog examines the evolution from XGS-PON and strategic considerations for service providers aiming to meet future bandwidth demands with scalable, high-bandwidth solutions.

TELECOM DIGEST

European Commission approves under the FSR the acquisition of PPF Telecom by e& and of Vodafone Italia by Swisscom

The European Commission has approved the acquisition of PPF Telecom Group by  e&’s, subject to conditions. The acquisition is subject to complete compliance with the commitments offered by the parties and was approved under the Foreign Subsidies Regulation (FSR). In addition to an unlimited State guarantee, the Commission determined that e& and Emirates Investment Authority (EIA) received foreign subsidies from the UAE, such as grants, loans, and other debt instruments. The competition in the acquisition process was not adversely affected by the foreign subsidies. Nevertheless, the Commission determined that the foreign subsidies had the potential to distort competition in the EU internal market following the transaction. In order to resolve this issue, e& and EIA proposed a commitments package that included the removal of the unlimited State guarantee, the prohibition of financing from the EIA and e& to PPF's activities in the EU internal market, and the requirement for e& to notify the Commission of any future acquisitions that are not notifiable concentrations under the FSR. The commitments are valid for a period of 10 years and may be extended by the Commission for an additional 5 years or longer if mutually agreed upon. Commitments proposed by the company may be accepted by the Commission if they completely address the distortion, prohibit the concentration, or issue a no-objection decision.
 

In addition to this, and in accordance with the Foreign Subsidies Regulation, the European Commission approved the acquisition of Vodafone Italia by Swisscom. Swisscom submitted the transaction to the European Commission pursuant to the Foreign Subsidies Regulation on 19 August 2024, subsequent to the announcement of the acquisition of Vodafone Italia on 15 March 2024. The EC confirmed on September 23, 2024, that the waiting period has elapsed, thereby unconditionally approving the transaction. In May 2024, Swisscom obtained financing for the purchase price of €8bn and has received unconditional approval from the Swiss Competition Commission and the Presidency of the Council of Ministers in Italy. The transaction is still pending additional regulatory approvals, such as those from the Italian Competition Authority (Autorità Garante della Concorrenza e del Mercato). The latter stated on September, the 11th 2024, that it had initiated an extensive investigation to evaluate the acquisition in accordance with Italy's merger control regulations. Swisscom anticipates that the transaction will be finalised in 2025, as stated in the notification dated 15 March 2024.

CNMC Proposes 20% Price Hike on Telefonica’s Network Access
 

The National Commission on Markets and Competition (CNMC) has published a public consultation to update prices for access to Telefónica's physical infrastructure. Operators pay a monthly fee of about 20% for recurring prices, following the European Commission's recommendation on Gigabit connectivity regulation. For non-recurring prices, such as registration fees, the proposal increases by 11%. Access to conduits is crucial for telecommunications operators to deploy new generation networks and is one of Telefónica's obligations in broadband market regulation. The consultation updates two types of prices: recurring and non-recurring. Recurring prices are those operators pay to Telefónica on a regular basis, such as the monthly price per km of subduct. The CNMC proposes an average increase of 20% on average, considering factors such as the cost of capital, civil works infrastructure useful life, and depreciation status. Non-recurring prices, such as registration fees, will be revised by 11% to compensate for labour costs since 2021. The proposal is now subject to a public consultation process for one month.

 ANACOM gives a green light for Digi Portugal’s acquisition of Cabonitel
 

According to ANACOM, the competition in the electronic communications sector will not be substantially affected by Digi Portugal's acquisition of Cabonitel, which owns Nowo. Digi's competitive pressure and market dynamics may be improved by the operation, which may have a beneficial effect on competition. Nevertheless, ANACOM is apprehensive about the absence of a network development responsibility in the 3.6 GHz frequency band spectrum. Digi may encounter challenges in obtaining wholesale inputs for electronic communications services. The acquisition of Cabonitel/Nowo may help alleviate these challenges; however, negotiations may need to be renegotiated. Although Digi's commercial decisions after the merger should mitigate any adverse consequences, ANACOM anticipates that Digi/Nowo will lack market power or negotiation power. Now, this understanding has already been transmitted to the Competition Authority (AdC), in the context of the request for an opinion received from this entity 

Telecom Slowdown: Operators Scale Back 5G and Broadband Investments
 

Telecom operators are decreasing their investments in fixed broadband technologies and 5G, according to a report from Dell'Oro Group. The report implies that the difficult circumstances that influenced the latter half of 2023 persisted into the first half of 2024. The first half of 2024 saw a 10% year-over-year decline in worldwide telecommunications capex, which encompasses investments in wireless and wireline/other telecommunications carriers. This decline was partially attributed to the accumulation of inventory, weakened demand in China, India, and the United States, as well as excess capacity, challenging 5G comparisons, and elevated uncertainty. The risk appetite and propensity to increase capital intensity levels for extended periods are being affected by the difficultly of monetising new technologies and the flattish revenue trajectory. The report also emphasises that global carrier revenues are anticipated to increase at a compound annual growth rate of 1% over the next three years.

FTTH Council Europe welcomes the proposal of copper switch off in the Draghi report on the future of Europe’s competitiveness
 

The FTTH Council Europe (FTTH CE) has endorsed the Draghi report's proposal for copper switch-off as a key step in Europe's digital transformation. The report echoes DG Connect's commitment to shutting down legacy copper networks, which requires careful planning and management. The FTTH CE also supports the recommendation to ensure sufficient spectrum for indoor Wi-Fi, as 95% of wireless traffic occurs indoors. However, the FTTH CE has reservations about the first recommendation, stating that Europe's successful investment dynamic has been driven by alternative operators, resulting in greater fibre network availability and better 5G coverage than in the US. All in all, the FTTH CE aims to maintain a competitive process in economic regulation and ensure a fair and competitive market environment for copper to fibre migration.

Four weeks away from the FTTH Congress Balkans – the event focused on bolstering FTTH adoption in South-Eastern Europe

With just four weeks remaining until the FTTH Congress Balkans, anticipation is building for this significant event focused on the pivotal role of FTTH networks in the digitalisation of South-Eastern Europe. The Congress will be held in Dubrovnik, Croatia, and will feature over 60 senior thought leaders who will delve into the deployment and adoption of FTTH networks across the region. The FTTH Council has invited these experts to discuss the region's potential for FTTH investment and rollout. The event will kick off with a keynote address by a representative of the Croatian Government, underscoring the importance of strong FTTH infrastructure for driving digital transformation, economic development, and social progress. Additionally, the Directorate-General for Communications Networks, Content and Technology from the European Commission will present insights into the role of EU policies in fostering optimal infrastructure development across member states. Key panel discussions will also take place, exploring FTTH deployment and adoption in countries such as North Macedonia, Slovenia, Croatia, Montenegro, Serbia, Albania, Bosnia - Herzegovina, and Bulgaria.

NEXT EVENTS

Incorporating Broadband World Forum and 5G World, Network X 2024 will investigate the telco issues that are hitting the headlines hardest in 2024. Our Director General, Vincent Garnier, as part of the panel titled "Status of FTTH Rollout Globally", will deliver a keynote speech focusing FTTH deployment and its rapid global expansion, propelled by escalating demand for high-speed connectivity. Additionally, Vincent will present the most up-to-date information on the coverage and adoption of FTTH/B in Europe, using statistics from our recent edition of the Market Panorama.

Join us in Paris on 9^th October, to discover what the latest news in each of these tech areas means for the future of your business.

 Only 4 weeks to go before the FTTH Council Europe’s brand-new regional event, the FTTH Congress Balkans, set to bring the expertise and experience of the FTTH Council Europe as an event organiser to support the FTTH industry in regions that deserve greater attention. The first edition of the event will happen in Dubrovnik, Croatia, on 29-30 October 2024. The congress will complement the annual FTTH Conference and focus on the specificities of FTTH deployment in the Balkans. Do not miss this opportunity to meet and better understand the key drivers of this developing region.

Browse the full agenda and speaker line-up via the official website. 

 The 5G Summit by ZTE is a premier event that gathers industry leaders, experts, and innovators to explore the transformative power of 5G technology. The summit will showcase the latest advancements in 5G networks and their potential to revolutionize industries, from telecommunications to smart cities.

In the context of the event our Director General, Vincent Garnier, will deliver the keynote speech, discussing the critical role of fiber to the home (FTTH) in supporting 5G infrastructure, emphasizing the synergies between these technologies.
 

Join us in Istanbul on 5th November and discover how 5G is shaping the future and unlocking new opportunities for businesses and society.

Save the date for the next edition of Europe’s leading fibre summit, taking place in Amsterdam on 25-27 March 2025. Let’s stay connected: we will soon provide you with more information about the Conference. Keep following us on our social media channels below and our official website to stay up to date.

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About Us
 

The FTTH Council Europe is an industry organisation with a mission to advance ubiquitous full fibre-based connectivity to the whole of Europe.

Our vision is that fibre connectivity will transform and enhance the way we live, do business and interact, connecting everyone and everything, everywhere. Fibre is the future-proof, climate-friendly infrastructure which is a crucial prerequisite for safeguarding Europe’s global competitiveness while playing a leading global role in sustainability.

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