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January 2026 Edition
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- News from our members
- Telecom Digest:
- EU Commission publishes consultation feedback on Digital Markets Act review
- UK seeks to boost gigabit access and sustain competition in fixed broadband
- Arcep shifts focus to fibre sustainability as copper shutdown progresses
- German advisers warn fibre transition could weaken competition
- Rising data demand boosts fibre growth and skills development in the Netherlands
- FTTH Conference 2026 set to unite Europe’s fibre industry
- Next events from the FTTH Council Europe
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NEWS FROM OUR MEMBERS
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Nokia - Telecom Liechtenstein AG provides 25Gbps broadband offering nationwide
Telecom Liechtenstein has launched a new broadband offering with connection speeds of up to 25 Gbit/s – available nationwide for all households and businesses in the country. This gives Liechtenstein a countrywide bandwidth capacity that puts the Principality at the global forefront in terms of broadband performance. Click here to read the full case study.
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Open Fibre - Fiber optics and AI: the speed that enables the services of the future
AI only works at real speed when data can flow without limits. Fiber optics turns artificial intelligence from concept to everyday service — for cities, healthcare, and public services. Discover on the Open Fiber website how the FTTH infrastructure enables AI.
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Zyxel - Wi-Fi 8: The Latency Breakthrough
It's not too early to learn about Wi-Fi 8. This newest Wi-Fi generation features ultra-reliable, low-latency performance that keeps video, gaming and smart homes responsive in crowded environments. Ultimately, it maximizes the value of robust FTTH networks by leveraging fiber’s high capacity and low latency to deliver seamless wireless experiences. Click here to learn more.
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Calix - Activation, Not Just Build: The Future of Fiber Networks
At a recent German broadband conference, industry leaders highlighted a bold shift: fiber success means activation, not just build-out. By adopting XGS-PON, unified software platforms, and automation, operators can unlock new revenue streams, deliver superior experiences, and power next-gen innovations like AI and robotics. Learn more via this link.
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Emtelle - Europe must embrace micro-cabling for faster, sustainable, future-proofed FTTH
Europe’s FTTH ambitions require not only faster deployment, but also smarter design. Dense cities, sustainability goals, and long-term digital resilience call for a new approach to deploying fibre infrastructure. Gavin Faulds, Emtelle Chief Commercial Officer, explains why micro-cabling is a strategic choice for Europe’s future connectivity. Read more here.
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Globema - Optimizing FTTH Connection Inquiries with GeoGrid
Read the case study. Find out how a Polish wholesale operator, Fiberhost, streamlined its FTTH inquiry process, effectively eliminating invalid requests and speeding up service delivery for serviceable locations. Click here to learn more.
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IQGeo - Top 2026 Telecom and Utility Market Predictions
IQGeo Head of Value Creation George Hughes predicts telecom and utility markets in 2026 will compete on customer experience, demand deeper network visibility with integrated, AI-enhanced tools, and require system consolidation to enable automation and reliable operations. Operators that unify data and workflows will outperform rivals. Read more here.
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EU Commission publishes consultation feedback on Digital Markets Act review
The European Commission has released a summary and the full set of responses from its consultation on the ongoing review of the Digital Markets Act (DMA). More than 450 contributions were submitted by a diverse range of stakeholders, including SMEs, gatekeepers, academics, civil society groups, and citizens.
Overall, respondents broadly support the DMA’s objectives and note its benefits, while suggesting enhancements such as stronger interoperability, improved data access and portability, and additional support for SMEs. Some contributors also recommended expanding the DMA to cover AI and cloud services. Gatekeepers raised concerns over proportionality and potential impacts on user experience.
The feedback will inform the Commission’s review report, due by 3 May 2026, to the European Parliament, Council, and European Economic and Social Committee. The triennial review is required under the regulation to ensure the DMA remains effective as digital markets evolve. The consultation included a dedicated AI questionnaire and a call for evidence, both published last summer.
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UK regulators seek to boost gigabit access and sustain competition in fixed broadband
UK authorities have launched two consultations aimed at strengthening access to high-speed broadband and ensuring effective competition in fixed telecoms markets. The government is seeking views on proposals that would give flat-owning leaseholders in England and Wales the right to request a gigabit-capable broadband connection from freeholders, who would be prevented from refusing such requests without valid reason. The measures, open for consultation until mid-February 2026, are intended to address connectivity challenges in multi-dwelling buildings and support the government’s target of near-universal gigabit coverage by 2032.
Separately, regulator Ofcom is reviewing its regulatory approach to fixed telecoms services in the Hull Area for the period from late 2026. While new network entrants have weakened Kcom’s historic monopoly, Ofcom says competition remains fragile and is proposing continued regulation to support long-term investment, alongside easing certain obligations where rivalry has increased.
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Arcep shifts focus to fibre sustainability as copper shutdown progresses
Fibre-to-the-home continued to dominate France’s fixed broadband landscape in the third quarter of 2025, accounting for 80% of subscriptions by the end of September, according to regulator Arcep. FTTH connections in the country rose to 26,34 million, up 11% year-on-year and 1,6 percentage points from the previous quarter.
In parallel, France’s telecoms regulator Arcep has signalled a transition in fibre policy from rapid deployment to long-term economic sustainability, as national coverage reaches around 94% of homes and businesses. While reaffirming regulatory stability and France’s leading position in fibre rollout, Arcep said it is now examining the operating costs of FTTH networks, particularly public initiative networks serving rural areas. Maintenance intensity, network design and external factors such as climate events were identified as key cost drivers. A cost model focused on post-deployment operations is expected to be released for public consultation in early 2026.
On network transition, Arcep welcomed the successful technical shutdown of initial copper sites but warned that commercial closures planned for early 2026 could be delayed if fibre completeness and user communication requirements are not met.
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German advisers warn fibre transition could weaken competition
Germany’s Monopolies Commission has cautioned that the shift from copper to fibre networks could lead to renewed market dominance by incumbent operators, notably Deutsche Telekom, if competition safeguards are not reinforced. In its latest telecoms report, the advisory body highlighted limited competition in the fibre segment and argued that, where economically viable, multiple providers should be encouraged to deploy fibre infrastructure. It also called for stricter oversight of wholesale access agreements by the Federal Network Agency to ensure fair market conditions during the copper shutdown.
The commission warned that without clear regulatory rules for switching off legacy networks, incumbent operators could gain an advantage by expanding its fibre footprint ahead of rivals.
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Rising data demand boosts fibre growth and skills development in the Netherlands
Data traffic on Dutch fixed networks increased by around 25% in 2025, driven by growing use of streaming, cloud services, AI applications and connected devices, according to industry group NLconnect. Mobile data volumes have also continued to surge, roughly doubling since 2022, as gigabit connectivity becomes more widespread.
The expansion of fibre infrastructure has played a key role in supporting this growth. Around 8,7 million homes are now passed by FTTH in the Netherlands, with nearly half a million added last year. Multi-gigabit broadband offers are gaining traction, with about 15% of households now subscribing to speeds of at least 1 Gb/s.
To support the expanding fibre footprint, the Dutch industry is also investing in workforce skills. Stichting FttX Certificering has added five new qualifications for fibre technicians, bringing the total number of recognised certification tracks to 11, with further exams planned later this year.
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FTTH Conference 2026 set to unite Europe’s fibre industry
The annual FTTH Conference, Europe’s leading fibre summit of the year, is preparing to welcome over 3.500 participants, including a notable 25% of C-level executives. The event will bring together more than 1.000 companies from over 100 countries, highlighting its role as the continent’s key gathering for fibre professionals.
For 2026, the conference will expand its reach, combining the traditional pan-European fibre community with a strong presence of UK operators and investors. New pass options have been introduced this year, including exhibition-only tickets, alongside the standard 3-day and 1-day passes. Early registrants can take advantage of a 25% discount on standard tickets by signing up before 31 January 2026. The FTTH Conference promises networking, insights, and opportunities for businesses and decision-makers across the rapidly evolving fibre sector – click here for more information and to register.
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NEXT EVENTS
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Don't miss the next edition of fiberdays - the leading trade fair for digitalization, digital infrastructure and fibre optic expansion! An extensive and top-class congress and seminar program awaits you: take a look on the fiberdays LinkedIn channel and plan your visit on March25 & 26th, 2026 in Frankfurt! Secure your trade fair ticket early, the Networking Night tickets are particularly limited. It pays to be quick!
Click here to book your ticket and use the section “Free exhibition ticket” for cooperation partners: fiberdays 26 ticketshop
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Registration is officially open for Europe’s leading fibre optic summit, the FTTH Conference 2026! Join over 3.500 industry leaders and decision-makers from April 14-16 at the ExCeL London, UK, to immerse yourself in strategic discussions, cutting-edge innovation, and unparalleled high-level networking.
This flagship three-day event is your unmatched opportunity to connect with the entire Fibre-to-the-Home (FTTH) value chain, advance your business goals, and gain profound knowledge of the trends defining Europe's fibre future. Don't miss out on securing your place at this essential industry gathering - register now to confirm your participation and enjoy a 25% discount in the standard ticket price until 31st January 2026!
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#FibreHorizon is the FTTH Council Europe's monthly selection
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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 170 member companies.
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