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February 2026 Edition

- News from our members

- Telecom Digest:

• FTTH Council Europe Welcomes EU Commission’s Digital Networks Act and Proposal for Switch-Off of Copper Networks
• Italy Introduces New Broadband Marketing Rules to Encourage Fibre Adoption
• Germany Advances Fibre Transition with Copper Phase-Out Plan
• Belgium Updates Proposed Fibre Access Rules for New Buildings
• Fibre Broadband Reaches Four in Five Finnish Homes but Regional Gaps Persist

- Next events from the FTTH Council Europe

NEWS FROM OUR MEMBERS 

Netomnia - How new legislation could improve fibre access in multi-dwelling buildings

Proposed legislative changes aim to address access challenges in multi-dwelling buildings by enabling fibre deployment where property owners are unresponsive. This analysis examines the implications for FTTH rollout, tenant connectivity, and accelerating full fibre coverage. Read more here.

Technetix - Declining Revenue and the Telecom Squeeze

How can operators stay ahead in an increasingly competitive landscape? What are the real-world impacts of falling ARPU, and what options are available for operators to weather the current 'telecoms squeeze'? Click here to learn more

Calix - Why AI Adoption Is Now Essential for the Future of Broadband Providers

As AI transforms global industries, broadband leaders face a pivotal shift. Michael Weening, CEO of Calix, warns that organizations embracing AI will outpace those that hesitate. Leaders across sectors are rebuilding workflows around AI agents—signaling that the future of broadband will be defined by bold AI adoption. Learn more via this link.

Camozzi Technopolymers – Low Emission Connectors for Sustainable FTTH Networks

As fibre networks continue to expand, sustainability is becoming increasingly important alongside performance. Low emission connectors play a role in reducing environmental impact while maintaining reliability, compact design, and straightforward installation within FTTH and FTTx infrastructures. Through thoughtful engineering, material efficiency, and durability, such solutions contribute to longer network lifecycles and support the development of more sustainable, future-ready fibre connectivity. Learn more here.

Corning - No Mountain High Enough: Connecting Mount Leinster

National Broadband Ireland is connecting rural communities using wavelength division multiplexing, boosting capacity on existing fibre. With Corning’s support, this flexible, cost‑efficient approach enables faster deployment and future‑proofs broadband coverage across remote areas. Check the case study here.

Emtelle - How To Address Fibre Optic Cable Supply Chain Bottlenecks In 2026

The global demand for fibre optic cable continues to grow at pace. This ‘perfect storm’ of high demand coupled with a lack of investment in fibre preform production has left the market scrambling for supply. Jonathan MacLean Chief Supply Chain Officer from Emtelle discusses what must be done next to reduce supply chain bottlenecks in 2026. Click here to read more.

TELECOM DIGEST

FTTH Council Europe Welcomes EU Commission’s Digital Networks Act and Proposal for Switch-Off of Copper Networks

The European Commission has presented the proposed Digital Networks Act (DNA), aiming to simplify telecom regulation across the EU and support the rollout of next-generation networks. The plan would replace the current framework with a single EU regulation covering areas such as licensing, network access and services, as part of a broader effort to boost competitiveness and strengthen the internal market.

The FTTH Council Europe has welcomed the proposal, particularly backing the proposal for the switch-off of copper networks, which it said could drive fibre investment while balancing national specificities and consumer protection. The group also supported the retention of regulated wholesale access for operators with significant market power, calling it essential for competition and regulatory stability. While acknowledging the DNA’s focus on security and resilience, the FTTH Council Europe cautioned that any new obligations should be supported by adequate EU and national funding and remain proportionate.

A dedicated policy event on the topic of the DNA is being organised by the FTTH Council Europe for the 24^th February – an opportunity to engage with European Institutions, European operators and industry experts on how this regulatory initiative will impact the FTTH industry.

Italy Introduces New Broadband Marketing Rules to Encourage Fibre Adoption

The Italian government has reportedly enacted a decree establishing new guidelines for broadband advertising. Internet providers will now need to inform potential customers about the most advanced broadband technology available at their location. This measure is part of a broader effort to streamline over 400 administrative processes and support the implementation of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan.

These changes build on existing rules that require providers to disclose expected connection speeds. Highlighting the top available technology is intended to boost subscriptions to modern fibre networks funded by recovery initiatives. The decree also includes other telecom-related updates, such as expanding the use of self-certification procedures for building permits when deploying new broadband infrastructure. This streamlined SCIA process aims to speed up network rollouts and make it easier for providers and contractors to expand faster internet coverage.

Separately, Italy’s state infrastructure agency Infratel reported significant progress in its ‘Connected Schools’ project, which provides high-speed broadband to educational institutions. By the end of December, 27.206 schools had been connected—24.087 through Infratel’s main program and 3.119 via regional partner companies. The initiative, funded with a mix of government and EU support, initially covered 30.800 schools with an additional 4.670 under regional agencies, offering free gigabit connections for up to five years, including maintenance and technical support. Service providers Fastweb, TIM, and Intred were selected through tenders in February 2021.

Germany Advances Fibre Transition with Copper Phase-Out Plan and Fresh Public Funding

Germany’s Federal Network Agency (Bundesnetzagentur) has outlined a roadmap for the gradual shift from copper-based networks to fibre optics, setting out conditions under which the transition could begin. The regulator said migration would be feasible once fibre covers at least 80% of households and businesses in a given area and appropriate wholesale options are in place, including open-access FTTH arrangements. Bundesnetzagentur president Klaus Müller stressed that fibre should ideally be available nationwide before copper networks are fully switched off.

Under the proposed framework, the sale of copper-based services would end at least two years ahead of any shutdown, with formal notice of a planned switch-off required a minimum of 12 months before fibre migration campaigns begin. Stakeholders have until 16 March to provide feedback before the regulator finalises the approach. Industry association VATM has welcomed the proposal, saying it provides clear timelines and safeguards for a fair and competitive transition.

Belgium Updates Proposed Fibre Access Rules for New Buildings

Belgium’s telecom regulator has issued a revised draft outlining technical requirements for in-building fibre infrastructure, aligned with the EU’s Gigabit Infrastructure Act. The rules would apply to new constructions and major renovations granted permits from 12 February, with stakeholder feedback open until 9 February.

The updated proposal follows a public consultation held last summer and reflects comments received from the market. It sets baseline specifications for fibre cabling, connection points and other internal network facilities.

Fibre Broadband Reaches Four in Five Finnish Homes but Regional Gaps Persist

Ultra-fast fixed broadband continues to expand across Finland, with connections offering download speeds of at least 1 Gb/s now available to 80% of households, or nearly 2.3 million homes, according to the Finnish Transport and Communications Agency (Traficom). Fibre coverage has increased by 12 percentage points over the past year, driven largely by the replacement of cable networks and fibre deployment in new residential areas.

The strongest gains have been seen in Päijät-Häme, North Savo and Satakunta, reflecting sustained investment by telecom operators and municipalities. However, Traficom notes that access to fixed broadband remains more limited in eastern and northern Finland, where long distances to existing networks raise costs and slow expansion. In parts of Lapland, the nearest high-speed network can still be 50–60 kilometres away.

NEXT EVENTS

Full fibre is vital to Europe’s Gigabit goals, but uneven deployment and ongoing reliance on copper still hinder progress. The proposed Digital Networks Act offers a timely opportunity to modernise regulation and strengthen the investment case for fibre.

During this event, the FTTH Council Europe will share its views on the DNA and highlight copper switch-off as a key driver of adoption and predictability. Cullen International will also present its latest report on copper switch-off, covering national developments and best practices, followed by a discussion with policymakers, regulators and industry representatives on enabling faster fibre rollout across Europe. Click here for more information.

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

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.

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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.

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