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FEBRUARY 2025 EDITION
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- Latest news from our Members
- Telecom digest:
- Germany Allocates €1,2 Billion to Expand Fibre Networks and Bridge Coverage Gaps by 2025
- Catalan Government to Invest €91,5M in Expanding Public Fibre Network
- Belgian Government Moves to Lower Telecom Prices and Improve Consumer Protections
- Finland Seeks €13,76M in EU Funding For Fibre Expansion, 5G & Quantum Infrastructure
- European Digital Innovation Hubs Expand to Boost Digital Transformation
- Arcep Invites Input on Orange's LLU Pricing Plan for 2026–2028
- Next events from the FTTH Council Europe
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In this interview, Thomas Miller, Chair of the Investors Committee of the FTTH Council Europe, shares his perspective on the evolution of the FTTH business in the months to come. While providing guidance to those willing to navigate their way to profitable investments in full-fibre networks, Thomas also presents the key opportunities and challenges that the committee anticipates for the industry.
Read the full interview here.
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NEWS FROM OUR MEMBERS
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This blog explores signal quality and performance monitoring in FTTX networks to ensure reliable fiber-optic broadband. Axiros’ AXTRACT FTTX Bundle detects issues like connection loss and fiber bends using metrics like Receive/Transmit Power and the Network Health Index. Its dashboards for ONTs, OLTs, and PON ports enable efficient FTTX management.
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In the latest blog, "Achieve Integration, Intelligence, and Innovation," Calix Chief Product Officer discusses how a platform-based approach to broadband service delivery can enhance efficiency and drive growth. By integrating service delivery, offering real-time insights, and promoting rapid service evolution, broadband providers can simplify operations and introduce innovative services.
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Discover how AI is transforming telecommunications! From enhancing field operations and customer service to combating fraud, AI drives efficiency, scalability, and innovation. Dive into three real-world applications showcasing how AI empowers telecom companies to meet growing demands and stay competitive, read the full blog on Deepomatic’s website.
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When it comes to evaluating Wi-Fi routers, real-world performance is everything. Learn how to test routers in realistic conditions, assess coverage, speed, and signal strength, and evaluate results to meet customer expectations. Perfect for product testers and network specialists seeking accurate, actionable insights. Read more on Icotera’s website.
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88% of broadband service providers are exploring AI to enhance their services and improve customer experiences. New research from Incognito Software Systems and Omdia reveals top AI use cases in network operations like predictive maintenance, monitoring, and resource optimization. Discover key insights and strategies—download the full report!
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The broadband landscape is evolving, and operators are embracing new realities. Emerging technologies and innovative approaches help maximize existing networks—enhancing customer experience, unlocking new segments and business models for growth, and enabling seamless, automated operations. This study, by NOKIA provides key insights into the latest trends shaping the future of fiber networks, ensuring they are ready for the next era of broadband.
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FTTH networks can accelerate the green transition, as they ensure greater energy efficiency & higher performance than copper networks. Moreover, they promote eco-friendly solutions such as smart working and management systems for Smart Cities. On Open Fiber website you can have a look at the advantages of ultra-broadband for sustainable energy management.
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Germany Allocates €1,2 Billion to Expand Fibre Networks and Bridge Coverage Gaps by 2025
The German Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure (BMDV) has set aside €1,2 billion in public support for enterprises who want to extend their fibre-optic networks by 2025. This year, the funding initiative is accompanied by a pilot project to fix coverage gaps in areas previously excluded from gigabit growth. The ministry has simplified the application process for public funding in order to foster collaboration between private and financed projects. Last year, €2 billion in public financing was provided to assist more than 560 projects that will establish over 440k connections and help about 1.700 towns. Approximately 4,3 million connections have already been made using the government's gigabit subsidy.
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Catalan Government to Invest €91,5M in Expanding Public Fibre Network
The Catalan government has announced intentions to invest EUR 91.5 million in expanding the publicly owned fibre optic network to 78% of all local municipalities by the end of 2025, up from 65% currently. 1.400 km of fibre cables will be installed, bringing the overall network length to over 8.000 kilometres and connecting 738 municipalities.
The Catalan government, also stated that it has already invested over EUR 300 million in the public fibre project in collaboration with provincial councils, connecting public buildings such as schools and health centres as well as providing infrastructure to service operators on an open connectivity basis, primarily in unserved and underserved areas of Catalonia. The goal is to install high-speed fibre network access points in all Catalan municipalities before the conclusion of the current legislature, which is due in 2028.
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Belgian Government Moves to Lower Telecom Prices and Improve Consumer Protections
The Belgian government has announced plans to reduce telecom prices in the country, as part of a wider push to improve consumer purchasing power. Operators will be required to automatically move customers to the most affordable plan based on their usage, if the customer agrees, and provide better compensation for service outages. The measures are part of the coalition agreement struck by five political parties to form the new federal government. Bipt conducts regular research on telecom prices in Belgium compared with neighbouring countries, finding Belgium's position has improved somewhat since the launch of the new mobile operator Digi. The government wants to require telecom operators to put their customers on the cheapest service plan available based on their usage and needs, eliminating some of the difficulty in choosing a new plan.
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Finland Seeks €13,76M in EU Funding For Fibre Expansion, 5G & Quantum Infrastructure
According to the Ministry of Transport and Communications, Finnish operators have submitted a request for €13,76 million in funding from the European Commission's Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) to support seven communications initiatives. The funding is intended to enhance backbone networks, facilitate large-scale 5G pilot initiatives, and develop quantum communications infrastructure. The initiatives in Finland encompass the expansion of the fibre-optic network in northern Finland, the enhancement of connectivity between Finland and Sweden, the establishment of a secure, high-capacity 5G infrastructure at Oulu University Hospital, the construction of a submarine cable link between Finland and Sweden, the planning of the Polar Connect submarine cable connection, the development of Nordic quantum connections, and the execution of a European 5G pilot project. The implementation plan for the revised Cyber Security Strategy encompasses the enhancement of security and operational reliability for shared Information and Communication Technology (ICT) services and data repositories, in addition to safeguarding geospatial data pertaining to critical infrastructure.
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European Digital Innovation Hubs Expand to Boost Digital Transformation
The European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIHs) Network has grown to include additional hubs in Albania, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, Ukraine, and Turkey, representing a significant step towards accelerating digital transformation in the EU's Enlargement region. The new hubs will give local firms, startups, and public institutions access to cutting-edge technology, AI expertise, and finance, resulting in increased creativity and growth. The search for applications chose 18 projects, which will begin in 2025 and run four years. The call has a budget of €14,6 million, with €4,5 million going to Ukraine, €4,5 million to Turkey, €1,6 million to Serbia, and €1 million to Albania, Kosovo, Montenegro, and North Macedonia. The Western Balkans' inclusion in the EDIH Network is part of the EU's Growth Plan, which promotes tighter ties with the EU's single market and benefits SMEs, entrepreneurs, and the public sector during green and digital transformations. The European Commission and the Digital Transformation Accelerator have scheduled an onboarding webinar for the new hubs.
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Arcep Invites Input on Orange's LLU Pricing Plan for 2026–2028
Arcep, the French telecom regulator, is seeking stakeholder feedback on Orange's proposal for wholesale charges for local loop unbundling (LLU) from 2026 to 2028, specifically for geographical areas where FTTH coverage has reached at least 95% of premises. Within this footprint, the regulatory regime has softened as a result of Arcep's LLU rental charge reform. As a result, a new responsibility to avoid excessive costs has been added to the existing standards, which continue to apply in places where FTTH penetration is less than 95%. Orange proposes a non-excessive price of €10,70 per month, excluding IFER (Imposition Forfaitaire pour les Entreprises de Reseau). This means that the non-excessive charge set in 2025 for a completely unbundled line would remain unchanged from 2026 to 2028, according to the regulator. The survey, which closes on March 7, comes after Arcep published a draft decision on LLU price caps in December for places where LLU rules have not migrated to the non-excessive fee regime.
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NEXT EVENTS
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Join this FTTH insightful webinar, organised by Axiros, and dive into the key technical challenges of GPON (Gigabit Passive Optical Network) deployments and the innovative solutions that overcome them. We'll explore crucial areas such as Signal Quality and Performance, Network Security and Reliability, and Scalability and Compatibility. Discover how to optimize optical power budgets, minimize latency, and ensure seamless interoperability in a rapidly growing network landscape.
Plus, learn how Axiros' advanced monitoring tools use health indexes to detect signal distortions and maintain optimal Quality of Service (QoS) for a stable, high-performing network.
Don’t miss out on expert insights to keep your GPON network running at its best! Register now.
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FTTH Conference 2025: Shaping the Future of Fibre!
Don’t miss this opportunity to immerse yourself in expert workshops, exclusive keynotes, and panel discussions with industry leaders shaping the future of connectivity. Secure your spot today and gain unparalleled insights into the latest fibre technology trends.
Learn more and register now.
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#FibreHorizon is the FTTH Council Europe's monthly selection
of digital and fibre-related news.
For more information, check our website or contact us.
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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.
The FTTH Council Europe consists of more than 160 member companies.
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