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March 2026 Edition
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- News from our members
- Telecom Digest:
- Italy Launches €733M Connectivity Fund to Support Fibre Rollout in Grey Areas
- Germany Proposes Telecom Law Update to Accelerate Fibre Deployment
- Croatia Launches Consultation on Copper Switch-Off to Support Fibre Migration
- France Publishes New Fibre Network Quality Indicators
- Sweden’s Digital Strategy Baseline Highlights Strong Fibre Foundations but Calls for Clearer Governance
- Copper Switch-Off Progresses Unevenly as Fibre Migration Advances in Europe
- Next events from the FTTH Council Europe
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NEWS FROM OUR MEMBERS
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Aprecomm - Service Providers Must Pivot from Generic AI Toward Built-In, Fit-For-Purpose AI
Enterprise AI is entering a new era. Organisations are moving beyond one-size-fits-all platforms to purpose-built AI trained on proprietary data and embedded into core systems. This shift from bolt-on tools to integrated intelligence marks a smarter, more strategic approach to AI adoption. Read the full article to learn why it matters.
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Calix - Calix at Mobile World Congress: Architects of the AI Age Keynote
President and CEO Michael Weening took the main stage in the Architects of the AI Age keynote, unveiling a bold vision for a connected world powered by agentic AI. He was joined by Kate Crawford, globally recognized AI researcher and author, to examine accountability, privacy, and responsible AI deployment. Click here to learn more.
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Camozzy Technopolymers - How Advanced Sustainable Materials Support Modern Fibre Networks
Engineering expertise in advanced polymers and connection technologies has enabled new solutions for telecommunications infrastructure, such as connectors used in FTTH microduct networks. Even small components can have large impacts when deployed at scale, supporting more efficient and sustainable network infrastructures. Read more here.
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Corning - Corning - Deploy Faster. Scale Smarter. Solve Your Biggest Network Challenges.
Is your fiber network deployment impacted by slow installation, skilled labor shortages, or space constraints? Today’s infrastructure requires speed, simplicity, and resilience, whether you’re rolling out FTTP, scaling AI data centers, or upgrading enterprise LANs. This ebook is your roadmap to optimize resources and future-proof your network.
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Dura-Line - How Dura-Line and Elektro imber are Thinking Outside the Box
In this project highlight from Dura-Line, see how infrastructure provider Elektro imber used modular plastic access chambers to deliver FTTH to 17,000 rural homes in Slavonia, Croatia—on time and on budget—while reusing existing ducts and poles wherever possible. Click here to explore the full case study.
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Genexis - Securing the entire home fiber journey: why the last meter is strategic
Broadband security doesn’t end at the network edge. As fiber moves into the home, the gateway becomes strategic. Built-in, software-driven security at the last meter is key to protecting users, maintaining trust, and differentiating beyond speed alone. Learn more via this link.
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Open Fiber - FTTH: switch-on can no longer be postponed for the country’s growth
FTTH switch-on is no longer optional for Italy’s economic, social and environmental growth. Evidence confirmed by three major studies from universities and consulting firms shows that widespread fiber optics adoption drives productivity, jobs and sustainability. All the details on the Open Fiber website.
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Technetix Group Ltd - 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
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Telenco - How is FTTR transforming home connectivity?
FTTR (Fibre to the Room) extends optical fibre beyond the home entry point to deliver high-speed connectivity in every room. By bringing fibre closer to end-use devices, it improves coverage, reduces latency and limits Wi-Fi interference, ensuring reliable broadband performance for increasingly demanding digital uses. Read more at this link.
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Winncomm Technologies - Interoperable ONTs and the Long-Term Sustainability of FTTH Networks HALNy by FI
As FTTH networks mature, interoperable optical network terminals are gaining importance for long-term operability. This article explores how standards-based ONTs support network evolution, regulatory objectives, and efficient GPON to XGS-PON transitions in multi-vendor environments. Read the full piece here.
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ZTE - ZTE’s Fang Hui: AI x Optical, Unveiling a New Era of Connected Intelligence
A network O&M engineer receives an automated alert from an AI-based optical component health forecast system warning that a backbone optical amplifier may degrade within 20 days. This is already happening on live networks, reflecting the deep integration of AI and optical networking. Click here to read more.
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Italy Launches €733M Connectivity Fund to Support Fibre Rollout in Grey Areas
Italy is reinforcing its push for nationwide gigabit connectivity with a new €733 million National Connectivity Fund aimed at accelerating ultra-broadband deployment in underserved “grey areas.” The initiative is being implemented through an agreement between the Department for Digital Transformation of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers and the national investment agency Invitalia, with a public consultation open for feedback until 18th March.
The fund will support the objectives of the Italia a 1 Giga programme, which aims to deliver 1 Gb/s connectivity to nearly seven million premises across the country. Grants will be allocated to private operators, who must co-finance at least 30% of project costs. For the FTTH sector, the measure provides additional investment certainty and helps close deployment gaps after some areas remained uncovered under previous tenders. Projects supported by the fund will run until 2029.
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Germany Proposes Telecom Law Update to Accelerate Fibre Deployment
Germany is preparing further regulatory reforms to support the rollout of gigabit connectivity. The Federal Ministry for Digital Affairs and Public Sector Modernization (BMDS) has drafted amendments to the Telecommunications Act (Germany) aimed at accelerating fibre and mobile network expansion.
The proposed Telecommunications Act Amendment Act 2026 seeks to align national rules with the EU’s Gigabit Infrastructure Act and improve conditions for network deployment. Key measures include revised rules on in-building infrastructure, expanded possibilities for infrastructure sharing, and simplified permitting procedures for telecom projects.
For the FTTH sector, the reform could help remove persistent bottlenecks in building access and administrative approvals - two critical factors affecting fibre rollout speed. By streamlining these processes, Germany aims to strengthen investment certainty and create a more efficient regulatory environment for next-generation fixed networks.
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Croatia Launches Consultation on Copper Switch-Off to Support Fibre Migration
Croatia is taking a step toward the transition from legacy copper networks to next-generation connectivity. The national regulator, Croatian Regulatory Authority for Network Industries (HAKOM), has launched a public consultation on regulatory aspects of migrating users from copper access networks to alternative infrastructure.
The initiative will inform upcoming guidelines on how operators should manage the decommissioning of copper infrastructure and the migration of customers to replacement networks. For the fibre sector, the process is particularly relevant as many copper switch-off strategies are expected to coincide with the deployment of FTTH and other gigabit-capable networks.
The consultation also addresses key operational and regulatory questions, including user notification timelines, service continuity and the availability of comparable replacement services. HAKOM aims to ensure that the transition supports competition, protects end users and provides a predictable framework for fibre-driven network modernisation.
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France Publishes New Fibre Network Quality Indicators
France continues to strengthen oversight of FTTH network performance as fibre becomes the country’s primary fixed connectivity infrastructure. The regulator, Autorité de régulation des communications électroniques, des postes et de la distribution de la presse (Arcep), has released a new edition of its observatory monitoring the quality of fibre networks.
The initiative tracks how operational improvements - introduced since 2019 in cooperation with operators - are affecting end-user experience. Efforts focus on improving the quality of installation works, strengthening controls on technical interventions and rehabilitating networks with high incident rates.
The latest report introduces additional indicators, including the share of connections activated within 60 days and the proportion of subscribers experiencing at least one outage per month. For the FTTH sector, the observatory provides valuable transparency and benchmarks to support higher-quality fibre deployment and operation across France.
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Sweden’s Digital Strategy Baseline Highlights Strong Fibre Foundations but Calls for Clearer Governance
Sweden’s first baseline assessment of its Digitalisation Strategy 2025–2030 highlights both the country’s strong connectivity foundations and key policy challenges for the next phase of digital development. The report, prepared by the Swedish Post and Telecom Authority (PTS) and the Agency for Digital Government (Digg), confirms that Sweden benefits from widespread digital adoption and a well-developed fixed broadband infrastructure.
For the fibre sector, the findings underline the continued importance of robust gigabit-capable networks as a foundation for digital services and innovation. At the same time, the report notes that full nationwide coverage is unlikely to be achieved solely through market-driven investment, pointing to the need for targeted policy support.
More broadly, it stresses that governance and coordination - rather than technology - now represent the main barriers to scaling digital solutions and unlocking the full value of next-generation connectivity.
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Copper Switch-Off Progresses Unevenly as Fibre Migration Advances in Europe
The transition from legacy copper networks to fibre is progressing across Europe, but at varying speeds. According to the latest Copper Switch-Off Tracker, published by the FTTH Council Europe in cooperation with Cullen International, several countries are moving decisively toward full fibre-based connectivity.
The study shows that Norway and Spain have already completed copper switch-off, while other markets are gradually advancing toward decommissioning legacy infrastructure. Across the countries analysed, fibre now represents around 62% of incumbent operators’ active access lines, reflecting the steady replacement of copper with FTTH networks.
However, the report highlights persistent disparities, with some countries still heavily reliant on copper and limited transparency around switch-off plans. Looking ahead, the proposed Digital Networks Act (European Union proposal) could accelerate fibre migration by providing stronger regulatory incentives for operators to retire copper networks.
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NEXT EVENTS
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In this webinar, the FTTH Council Europe will unveil an exclusive preview of the 2025 Market Panorama, featuring the latest data and trends prepared by IDATE. As Europe advances toward a fully fibre-based continent, this new edition not only highlights the evolution of FTTH/B deployment but also places a strong emphasis on the growing importance of take up as a key indicator of market maturity and socio-economic impact.
We will explore which countries are driving Europe forward, how coverage and adoption are evolving, and what these trends mean for consumers, operators, and policymakers. Beyond the numbers, the session will assess the forces accelerating both roll out and subscription growth, as well as the challenges that continue to shape our journey toward ubiquitous fibre connectivity. Click here to register.
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The last mile is leaking quality and revenue, with 90% of installs going unverified and 1 in 5 failing at activation. Only 10% of customer installations receive manual QA and 20% fail during service activation, driving rework, delays and poor customer experience.
In this webinar, James Wheatley, Head of Product Management at IQGeo shows how automated visual AI verification, standardized documentation and real time technician guidance transform customer installs into a right first time, friction free process. Learn how operators are cutting QA cost, eliminating avoidable truck rolls and improving activation success at scale. Click here to register.
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Registration is 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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#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 170 member companies.
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