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SEPTEMBER 2026 EDITION

- News from our members
 

- Telecom Digest:

• Fibre-to-the-home surpasses cable in Netherlands broadband market during Q1
• Belgium’s broadband sector sees fibre growth in 2024, though cable retains the lead
• Strong expansion forecast for Europe’s fibre optic cable market through 2033, Archive Market Research Reports
• Spain’s broadband connections climb to 19 million as deregulation fully takes effect
• Over half of German homes now passed by fibre in H1, a 10% annual increase
• Slovenia issues call for investment in broadband infrastructure
• ComReg turns down Eir’s request to review broadband regulation
• Nkom schedules new consultation on broadband deregulation
   

- Next events from the FTTH Council Europe

NEWS FROM OUR MEMBERS

Genexis: Unlocking Wi-Fi 7: Why Europe Needs the Full 6 GHz Band

Explore how Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7 can unleash the full potential of fibre broadband. This summer reading list from Genexis highlights why unlocking the upper 6 GHz band is vital for Europe’s digital future - covering tech upgrades, policy shifts, and performance insights from leading markets. Click here to know more

Globema: Use AI to Efficiently Update Your Network Inventory System with As-built Document

Discover how digital twins transform network management. Learn why keeping models up to date is vital, understand the challenges of manual digitization, and see how AI tools like iDoc streamline updates for telecom companies. Learn more about this.

IQGeo: Through the lens: How computer vision keeps fibre rollouts on track

Ever wondered how AI can help with fibre rollout? Whether it's reducing rework, improving data accuracy, or accelerating builds, AI is now a practical tool for operators to modernise construction workflows while improving the bottom line. Discover more.

Aprecomm: Is zero-touch network management a reality?

Successful businesses know that what customers want today is speed, consistency, and reliability bundled into a seamless and friction-free customer experience (CX). Aprecomm’s latest article examines how close we are to frictionless, zero-touch network management, demonstrating how AI is transforming the way fibre service providers can improve customer experience—saving time and reducing operational costs. Click here to read.

Deeptomatic: Winning Telecom Contractor Buy-In When Launching Visual AI in the Field

For telecom network operators, the success of a Visual AI project hinges on field adoption by contractors and their technicians. Download this free eBook from Deepomatic to get practical guidance to help you lay the foundation for strong engagement and unlock maximum value from your investment. Click here to know more.

Exfo: New standard, new headaches: solving the Wi-Fi 7 testing puzzle

Wi-Fi 7 promises huge speed and efficiency gains, but field realities—like interference, client limitations, and missing features—often get in the way. Testing isn’t about hitting lab specs; it’s about verifying real-world performance where it counts: in actual buildings, with real devices, across all bands. Learn more about this!

TELECOM DIGEST

Fibre-to-the-home surpasses cable in Netherlands broadband market during Q1

As per the National Regulator, the Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM), in Q1 2025, FTTH overtook cable broadband in the Netherlands for the first time, reaching 3,27 million subscribers compared to 3,16 million on cable. This shift reflects continued fibre rollout, particularly in remote areas like Zeeuws-Vlaanderen and Noord-Drenthe, bringing total fibre coverage to 8,42 million premises. Major providers KPN and Vodafone Ziggo maintained leading market shares, while mobile data usage rose 6,5% and fixed voice lines continued to decline. Traditional triple-play bundles dropped to 780.000, with broadband-TV packages proving more popular. The data highlights a clear national shift towards faster, more reliable fibre connectivity and evolving user preferences.

Belgium’s broadband sector sees fibre growth in 2024, though cable retains the lead

As reported by IBPT, fibre broadband continues to grow in Belgium, with FTTH subscribers rising to 560.000 in 2024, up from 396.000 in 2023. Fibre now accounts for 10,8% of all broadband connections, but cable remains dominant with 52% market share. Despite widespread gigabit coverage (94,6% of households), only 5,8% of users subscribe to 1 Gb/s speeds.

Capital investment in telecom increased by 4,5% to €2,74 billion, with 62% directed to fixed networks. Data usage reached 289 GB/month on average. Average monthly telecom spending rose to €82,70, while demand shifts away from traditional TV and landlines are pushing more flexible service bundles. Only 36% of households still have a fixed line.

Strong expansion forecast for Europe’s fibre optic cable market through 2033, Archive Market Research Reports

The European fibre optic cable market is positioned for robust expansion, with a projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9,66% through 2033, according to a new market analysis by Archive Market Research . This growth is fuelled by rising demands for high-speed internet, widespread 5G network deployments, rapid data centre proliferation, and strong governmental support for digitalization and fibre-to-the-home initiatives.

While the combined U.S.-European market is valued at $3,1 billion in 2025, Europe’s segment is distinguished by coordinated EU policy-driven expansion, particularly under the Digital Single Market strategy. Key markets leading this growth include Germany, France, and the UK, though deployment remains uneven across member states.

Major players such as Prysmian, Nexans, and Corning operate in a moderately concentrated landscape, with competition intensifying through innovation, mergers, and acquisitions. Single-mode fibres continue to dominate long-haul and high-bandwidth uses, while multi-mode and specialty fibres cater to shorter-distance applications. Persistent challenges include high initial costs, supply chain vulnerabilities, and regulatory fragmentation. Emerging trends focus on higher-capacity fibres, eco-friendly manufacturing, and advanced cable designs to meet escalating connectivity demands.

Spain’s broadband connections climb to 19 million as deregulation fully takes effect

Spain’s fixed broadband market surpassed 19 million lines in April 2025, driven by continued fibre expansion. FTTH connections reached 17,1 million, representing over 90% of all fixed lines and growing by 1,2 million year-on-year. Market leader MasOrange maintained a 37% share, followed by Telefónica at 31% and Vodafone Spain at 14%. Digi Spain demonstrated the strongest growth, adding 48.200 lines to reach 11% market share.

In a parallel development, National Markets and Competition Commission (CNMC) confirmed full deregulation of the residential fibre access market. Effective in six months, this decision eliminates mandatory wholesale access requirements for Telefónica in the final 30% of the country still under regulation. The move follows improved market competition indicators, including Telefónica's retail market share falling below 50% and the emergence of strong competitors through mergers and organic growth. Rules governing physical infrastructure access remain unchanged pending further analysi

Over half of German homes now passed by fibre in H1, a 10% annual increase

Germany’s fibre rollout accelerated significantly in the first half of 2025, with 52,8% of homes now passed by fibre - a 9,6% year-on-year increase, according to industry group Breko. This represents 24,3 million connections, 59% of which were built by competitors of Deutsche Telekom.

Fibre take-up also grew, with 6,6 million active connections and a subscriber rate rising from 26% to 27%. Investment in infrastructure remained strong, totalling €15,3 billion in 2024, with rivals to Deutsche Telekom accounting for €10 billion. The sector’s revenue also increased, reaching €61,1 billion in 2024.

Slovenia issues call for investment in broadband infrastructure

Slovenia's telecom regulator Akos has launched a new funding initiative to expand high-speed internet across the country. The agency is calling for network operators and investors to submit proposals to build or upgrade broadband infrastructure capable of delivering minimum speeds of 100 Mb/s to all users.

Successful projects will receive public co-financing and must be completed within three years. The application deadline is 20 September.This initiative aims to close the digital divide and ensure nationwide access to modern broadband connectivity.

ComReg turns down Eir’s request to review broadband regulation

Ireland’s regulator ComReg has upheld its decision to regulate Eir as a significant market power in the fixed broadband market, rejecting the operator’s call for a review.Eir had argued that increased network duplication - including expanded fibre rollouts by SIRO, National Broadband Ireland (NBI), and Virgin Media Ireland - had changed competitive conditions since the last market review. It also raised concerns about potential coordination between Virgin Media and SIRO.

However, ComReg concluded that core market conditions remain unchanged, citing Eir’s continued significant market share and stable position outside the National Broadband Plan area. The regulator affirmed that the existing wholesale access obligations are still necessary to ensure fair competition.No further market analysis will be conducted at this time.

Nkom schedules new consultation on broadband deregulation

Norwegian telecoms regulator Nkom has announced plans for a new consultation round as it moves forward with plans to deregulate the broadband market, as reported by Telecompaper. The decision follows mixed responses to its earlier market analysis-while many stakeholders support voluntary network opening, some operators remain hesitant.

The upcoming consultation will focus on defining specific geographic areas where obligations may still be necessary, particularly for operators with significant market power (SMP). Despite this, Nkom maintains that nationwide competition is progressing and that the broader market is nearing sustainable levels.

The regulator has received renewed commitments from Telenor and FiberHub partners to open their networks under fair and reasonable terms. However, the new hearing will delay notification to the EFTA Surveillance Authority (ESA), extending the timeline for a final decision. Nkom may also shorten Telenor’s transitional arrangement, depending on developments during the next consultation phase, said Kamilla Sharma, Director of Markets and Services

NEXT EVENTS

On 16 September 2025, Icotera will host a webinar exploring how broadband providers can transform operations through proactive service assurance. The session will showcase how integrating the PON network into service monitoring delivers remote diagnostics, advanced insights, and predictive tools to reduce costly field visits and eliminate blind spots. Industry experts will demonstrate how next-generation quality monitoring empowers teams to streamline workflows, enhance network performance, and improve customer experience. This event offers network operators and service providers practical strategies to stay competitive while ensuring seamless, reliable connectivity in today’s fast-evolving digital landscape.

The FTTH Council Europe will host the FTTH Congress Central Eastern Europe 2025 on 7–8 October at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Warsaw, gathering more than 400 industry stakeholders to accelerate fibre deployment across the region. With over 13 million homes still unconnected, markets such as Poland, Czech Republic, Romania, and the Baltics offer significant growth opportunities. The congress will feature high-level keynotes, expert panels, and an exhibition, focusing on investment strategies, regulatory frameworks, and deployment best practices. By addressing challenges such as permitting delays and rural rollout costs while aligning with EU digital ambitions, the event aims to foster collaboration between telecom operators, policymakers, and investors to drive the fibre future of Central and Eastern Europe.

Register now!

Europe’s premier fibre optic event, the FTTH Conference 2026, will take place from 14–16 April at ExCeL London, UK. Over three days, the conference will bring together more than 3,000 industry leaders from across the FTTH value chain for strategic insights, business development, high-level networking, and the latest innovations. Attendees will have a unique opportunity to connect with key decision-makers, explore emerging trends, and help shape the future of fibre in Europe. Stay tuned for more details about this must-attend event.

#FibreHorizon is the FTTH Council Europe's monthly selection

of digital and fibre-related news.

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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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