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MARCH 2025 EDITION
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- Latest news from our Members
- Telecom digest:
- EBRD Launches Strategy to Advance Sustainable and Inclusive Digital Telecom Infrastructure
- DGCCRF Investigates Commercial Practices in Fibre Deployment
- CNMC Renews Telefónica’s Fibre Test, Calls for Lower Wholesale Prices
- UK Government Launches Digital Inclusion Action Plan to Bridge the Digital Divide
- EU's 2025 Work Programme to Propose Digital Networks Act and Strengthen Tech Competitiveness
- Next events from the FTTH Council Europe
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In this interview, Patrick Faraj, Chair of the Deployment & Operations Committee of the FTTH Council Europe, takes stock of the latest evolutions in FTTH deployment technologies, and looks at the most pressing operational challenges the industry is facing nowadays. While reviewing the latest technology trends shaping the FTTH rollout scenario in Europe, Patrick provides a series of thought-provoking inputs useful to all actors in place. Read the full interview here.
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NEWS FROM OUR MEMBERS
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STL announced the addition of new leaders across the business and functions. The optical networking industry is undergoing a significant phase of large-scale digital infrastructure buildouts across the globe, like Bharatnet in India and federally-funded broadband infrastructure projects under the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program in the United States.
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From film reels to 4K digital projection, technology has transformed film distribution over the years, reducing time, costs, and environmental impact. Today, FTTH fiber optics make it possible to digitally send movies to theaters in just minutes and to stream films or live events. Learn more on the Open Fiber website.
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When accessing underground infrastructure, practice in the field for dealing with stuck or seized manhole and inspection covers can be unsafe and inefficient. A new Whitepaper by CoverUp Key explores the safety and efficacy of current and new methodologies.
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Traditional predictive operations rely on outdated asset inventories, causing inaccuracies, poor OSS/BSS integration, and manual inefficiencies. Accurate predictive data transforms telecom by bridging the gap between operational efficiency and smarter sales strategies, enabling better decision-making and optimized network expansion. Keep reading on IQGeo's wesbite.
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Many countries have made significant progress in building their fiber networks and are now focusing on connecting subscribers. To ensure seamless service activation, last-mile connections must meet high-quality standards—and AI-powered computer vision is the perfect technology to achieve this. Read this blog post from Deepomatic to learn more.
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Exploring the ambitious plans for broadband rollout across Europe, Tobias Schubert, Marketing Manager Major Accounts at Corning Optical Communications, looks at the progress being made by Germany, France, and the UK towards universal connectivity by 2030.Learn more here.
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CityFibre’s Sarah Malin is redefining telecom leadership with a fresh, nontraditional approach. In her conversation with Light Reading, she highlights the power of strategic partnerships—like the one with Calix—in driving innovation and bridging the UK’s digital divide. Read more about how alignment fuels progress: Building Britain’s Digital Future.
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EU's 2025 Work Programme to Propose Digital Networks Act and Strengthen Tech Competitiveness
The European Commission's 2025 Work Programme proposed new legislation for the telecoms market by Q4 2025, titled “Digital Networks Act”, aiming to strengthen the EU's digital infrastructure. This legislation will facilitate cross-border network operations and service provision, improve spectrum coordination, and enhance industry competitiveness, ensuring the EU remains competitive in the digital economy. The Digital Networks Act will also work in conjunction with the Cloud and AI Development Act, fostering better access to data and supporting AI advancements across Europe. The Commission also aims to maintain Europe's global leadership in emerging technologies through its AI Continent Action Plan, which will promote AI factories and competitive AI ecosystems in Europe. Moreover, the EU will invest in the Quantum Strategy, followed by a Quantum Act, to safeguard strategic assets, avoid dependency on non-EU sources, and strengthen its research and development capabilities in quantum technologies. Together, these initiatives are designed to ensure the EU's technological sovereignty and global competitiveness.
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EBRD Launches Strategy to Advance Sustainable and Inclusive Digital Telecom Infrastructure
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has approved a new four-year strategy for the telecommunications, media, and technology sector. The strategy emphasises the development of digital infrastructure that is inclusive, resilient, and environmentally friendly. The strategy is designed to develop digital economies that are more inclusive, resilient, and environmentally friendly, as part of the Bank's strategic and capital framework's emphasis on digitalisation. Innovation, digital entrepreneurship, tech-enabled products and services, and digital infrastructure will be the focus of the EBRD's investment. The strategy will be informed by two primary objectives: the investment in digital infrastructure that is inclusive, resilient, and environmentally friendly, which serves as the foundation for digital transformation, and the investment in technologies that facilitate innovation, adaptation, and enable the digital economy. The Bank's investments will be consistent with the Paris Agreement and its Green Economy Transition approach, thereby promoting the use of renewable energy and green technologies.
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DGCCRF Investigates Commercial Practices in Fibre Deployment
The French Directorate General for Competition, Consumer Affairs, and Fraud Prevention (DGCCRF) is currently investigating the potential commercial imbalances between internet service providers and subcontractors involved in fibre deployment. The rollout of fibre has been expedited in France as it transitions from its copper network, with 90% of premises being classified as "connectable" by mid-2024. Nevertheless, concerns have been expressed regarding persistent service quality issues, including subscriber disconnections, infrastructure damage, and failed installations. The investigation, which was initiated in 2023, concentrates on potential violations of the commercial code, particularly unjust practices such as the imposition of obligations without compensation and the establishment of substantial contractual imbalances, which have the potential to affect consumers.
After an initial exploratory phase, four companies have been directed to ensure that their invoicing practices are in accordance with regulations. The DGCCRF will resume its investigation in 2025 with the objective of preserving equitable competition, safeguarding subcontractors, and guaranteeing a dependable and efficient fibre network for end-users.
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CNMC Renews Telefónica’s Fibre Test, Calls for Lower Wholesale Prices
The National Commission on Markets and Competition (CNMC) has approved the renewal of Telefónica's replicability test for its fibre offers. This is the sixth revision of the parameters used in the test, which assesses whether an efficient alternative operator can offer broadband products similar in prices and features to the main products. The test has been modified to reflect the incorporation of new features and market developments in the European Commission's Gigabit Recommendation. The evaluation assesses the ability of an efficient alternative operator to provide broadband products that are comparable in terms of price and functionality to Telefónica's primary offerings. The CNMC recommends that Telefónica decrease its wholesale service prices until the test is successfully completed. The new parameters also modify the parameters that are employed to ascertain whether the wholesale prices of NEBA local and NEBA fibre satisfy the replicability condition. This enables alternative operators to continue to compete with Telefónica in regulated areas. The CNMC will persist in its monitoring of the evaluation of wholesale residential broadband markets and the progress of its application.
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UK Government Launches Digital Inclusion Action Plan to Bridge the Digital Divide
The UK Government has presented the Digital Inclusion Action Plan, aiming to create a digitally inclusive society. The plan outlines five clear actions to ensure everyone can benefit from digital technology. Locally delivered support is crucial, and a Digital Inclusion Innovation Fund will be launched to support innovative local initiatives.
The government is, reportedly, committed to improving support for the framework that helps people and businesses get online safely and confidently. Access to suitable devices is vital for participating in the digital society, expanding FTTH networks is essential to ensure individuals and businesses can get online safely and confidently. Reliable, high-speed connectivity is crucial for digital participation, yet 37% of offline households cite lack of suitable equipment or broadband access as barriers. The government is also committed to making government digital services easier to use, improving user experience, and increasing the number of services. The Action Plan is supported by ten pledges from industry, working in parallel with and in support of this Action Plan. These pledges demonstrate the significance of partnership to promote and empower digital inclusion and the shared responsibility to tackle this important issue.
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NEXT EVENTS
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Navigating the complexities of new fibre deployments, selecting the best deployment architecture, optimizing planning, and managing FTTH build costs is extremely challenging. Network planners face numerous interlocking tasks that require precise processes and efficient technology. This FTTH webinar, organised by IQGeo will dive deep into the common obstacles in the planning and design process and share powerful strategies to overcome common obstacles.
Join us to hear firsthand from Proximus, the largest telecommunication company in Belgium about how they have successfully adopted these strategies and technology to tackle their planning and design challenges, providing real-world examples and invaluable insights. Register now!
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The FTTH Conference 2025 is less than three weeks away!
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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In the context of our partnership with Breko, the FTTH Council Europe is please to invite its Members to Messe Frankfurt on 2-3 April for the fiberdays25, the leading trade fair for digitalization, digital infrastructure and fibre optic expansion in Germany! An extensive and top-class congress and seminar program awaits you: take a look at the agenda and start planning your visit today! Secure your trade fair ticket early, as the Networking Night tickets are particularly limited. It pays to be quick!
Click here to book your ticket and use our dedicated ticket code FD25_FTTHCouncil for a preferential rate.We look forward to seeing you in Frankfurt!
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As part of Connect Europe’s Policy Summit 2025, our Director General, Vincent Garnier, will moderate the high-level panel titled "The Digital Networks Act – A Bold Move for the Future of EU Telecoms Regulation."
This panel will explore the transformative potential of the Digital Networks Act, a landmark initiative poised to reshape telecom regulation across Europe. With Europe’s digital transformation reaching a defining moment, ensuring a connected, competitive, and sovereign digital future has never been more urgent. As technology and connectivity drive economic growth and societal change, the need for forward-thinking policy and investment is clear. Learn more and secure your spot now.
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#FibreHorizon is the FTTH Council Europe's monthly selection
of digital and fibre-related news.
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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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