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April 2026 Edition

- News from our members

- Telecom Digest:

UK Full-Fibre Surge Meets New Regulatory Push Toward Final Roll-Out Phase
Germany Unveils €1 Billion Fibre Boost with Faster Roll-Out Rules
Italy Invests €21M in Fibre Network to Strengthen Connectivity in Earthquake Regions
Fibre made mandatory in new-build, renovated flats in Lithuania
France Proposes Cost Model for Public-Fibre Networks
FTTH Council Europe publishes European FTTH/B Market Panorama 2026 ahead of FTTH Conference in London

- Next events from the FTTH Council Europe

In this advertorial, Camozzi Technopolymers’ Sales Manager Nausicaa Martinelli explores how FTTH networks are evolving through advanced skills, smarter connector design, and a strong focus on sustainability. From durable materials to low-emission solutions, the industry is shifting toward high-performance, eco-conscious infrastructure that ensures long-term resilience. Read more via this link.

NEWS FROM OUR MEMBERS

Camozzi Technopolymers - Expertise in raw material choice shapes FTTH performance and sustainability

In the demanding environment of FTTH, the performance deeply depends on their smallest components. Operators are seeking "green" infrastructure solutions that do not compromise on reliability. Expertise in the selection of raw materials is essential to ensuring that connectors can withstand the rigors of long-term underground deployment. Learn more at this link.

EXFO - Calibration and connectors: taming the troublemaker in fiber networks

Connectors are the silent saboteurs of FTTH networks, but most teams don't catch them until it's too late. This article unpacks why calibration is the step that most teams skip; and why it is the most costly step to miss. Click here for more.

Emtelle - Why scalable, resilient infrastructure is vital for long-term datacentre growth

Datacentres are the backbone of the digital economy, serving cloud, AI, edge computer and the demand for bandwidth. Digital infrastructure is the ‘silent engine’ that drives each datacentre’s mission-critical facilities. Juan Colina, Emtelle Managing Director, MEA & APAC, explains why it’s vital in today’s world to get it right

Genexis - Beyond standards: a multi-layer security approach for open fiber networks

Fiber is often described as inherently secure. But physical protection alone is not enough. In PON deployments, security must protect user privacy, prevent rogue devices, secure the software supply chain, and ensure long-term lifecycle resilience, especially in open, multi-vendor environments. Read more at this link.

Globema - Optimizing Resource Management in Large-Scale Infrastructure Projects

Find out how a Serbian IT and Telecom Leader achieved 75% faster reporting and 66% higher material consumption record accuracy via our latest case study. Click here to read more.

Open Fiber - Fiber optics and culture: technology arrives in museums

From immersive 8K tours to virtual reality, fiber optics is transforming how we experience culture, making museums more accessible, interactive, and global than ever. Discover how technology is reshaping art and heritage. Learn more on the Open Fiber website.

Speer IT - Meet Speer IT at the FTTH Conference in London

Speer IT will be present at the FTTH Conference in London. As a specialist in telecom network registration and asset management, we help network operators gain full control over their infrastructure and data quality. Visit us to discover how our solutions support efficient network rollout, improve data reliability, and enable better decision-making. Learn more at this link.

Technetix - Network Modernization and Deployment

Part two of this series examines the biggest operator challenges in today’s telecoms industry and the difficulties providers have when it comes to network modernization and infrastructure upgrades. Click here for more.

TKI - Rethinking In-Building Fibre: From Fragmentation to Integrated Delivery

As fibre expands into buildings, fragmented workflows and slow approvals are key bottlenecks. A more integrated, data-driven approach—using 3D modelling and end-to-end visibility—can streamline collaboration, improve quality, and accelerate deployment at scale. Discover more at this link.

Calix - Meet the Calix Team at the FTTH Conference

Meet the Calix leadership team at the FTTH Conference and join the conversation on simplifying network evolution, enabling flexible PON migration, and driving sustainable growth across residential, business, and MDU services.

TELECOM DIGEST

UK Full-Fibre Surge Meets New Regulatory Push Toward Final Roll-Out Phase

The UK’s transition to full-fibre broadband is accelerating rapidly, as record adoption coincides with a new regulatory framework designed to guide the market through its final expansion phase. According to Point Topic, fibre-to-the-premises (FTTP) connections reached 12,39 million in Q4, marking a 6,5% quarterly increase, the fastest growth since national roll-outs began. Coverage now extends to over 81% of premises, while legacy fibre-to-the-cabinet connections continue to decline. Growth has been driven by major providers and alternative networks (altnets), though increasing overlap and competition are expected to pressure pricing and business models.

At the same time, Ofcom has outlined rules for the period from April 2026 to March 2031 to sustain investment and competition. The regulator will maintain fair access to Openreach infrastructure, introduce service quality standards in less competitive areas, and cap prices for lower-speed broadband while leaving faster services unregulated to encourage upgrades.

As the UK approaches near-universal fibre coverage, Ofcom also plans to gradually shift regulation away from copper networks, easing the transition to full-fibre and reducing operational burdens on providers.

Germany Unveils €1 Billion Fibre Boost with Faster Roll-Out Rules

Germany is stepping up its fibre expansion efforts with more than €1 billion in new subsidies, alongside measures designed to speed up deployment and reduce red tape. The funding, announced by the Federal Ministry for Digital Transformation and Government Modernisation, comes with updates to the Gigabit Directive 2.0 aimed at simplifying procedures. One key change is a shorter market research phase, reduced to the minimum required under EU law, which should help accelerate projects, particularly in areas where private operators are reluctant to invest. Authorities are also being given more flexibility in how funds are distributed. Federal states can now lower the funding allocated per project, allowing support to reach a greater number of initiatives overall.

In addition, the government is introducing standardised documentation for municipal tenders covering the build and operation of subsidised fibre networks. This should make the tendering process more efficient, easier to manage, and more transparent when comparing bids. Together, these changes are intended to remove bottlenecks and push fibre roll-out forward more quickly, especially in underserved regions where public funding remains essential.

Italy Invests €21M in Fibre Network to Strengthen Connectivity in Earthquake Regions

Italy is committing €21 million to strengthen digital infrastructure in earthquake-affected regions through a new fibre deployment led by Infratel. The project will roll out over 1.200 km of fibre network, connecting 183 municipal offices with free 1 Gb/s broadband for at least five years. Funded by the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR), the initiative focuses on areas impacted by the 2009 and 2016 earthquakes, aiming to support recovery and improve public services.

A central element is a high-capacity fibre ring linking data centres across cities such as L’Aquila, Ancona and Terni, delivering speeds of up to 100 Gb/s. The programme also includes emergency radio communications for Civil Protection agencies and solar-powered Wi-Fi hotspots along rural and tourist routes.

Overall, the investment is designed to enhance connectivity, resilience and digital services in regions that have faced both geographic and seismic challenges.

Fibre made mandatory in new-build, renovated flats in Lithuania

Lithuania has introduced a new rule requiring fibre-optic infrastructure in all newly built and renovated apartment buildings. The move, confirmed by regulator Communications Regulatory Authority (RRT), aligns with the European Union’s Gigabit Infrastructure Act and aims to future-proof residential connectivity. Authorities are now urging the environment ministry to provide detailed guidance for installing fibre ducts in buildings.

Fibre coverage continues to expand nationwide, reaching 63,2% of homes in 2025, up from 62,2% a year earlier. Rural coverage remains lower but is improving, rising to around 15%. The requirement is expected to accelerate fibre adoption and ensure better digital access across the country.

France Proposes Cost Model for Public-Fibre Networks

France’s telecom regulator ARCEP is consulting stakeholders on a proposed model to benchmark operating and maintenance costs for public-initiative fibre networks. The framework aims to guide wholesale pricing for access to these networks.

The draft considers feedback from over 40 market participants, including local authorities and infrastructure operators, and highlights higher costs in rural areas due to aerial fibre, longer maintenance routes, and lower adoption in communities with many second homes.

Comments from this consultation will shape the final model, which will serve as a reference for negotiations with commercial operators, ensuring fair pricing while reflecting the unique challenges of maintaining public-fibre networks.

FTTH Council Europe publishes European FTTH/B Market Panorama 2026 ahead of FTTH Conference in London

Europe’s fibre-to-the-home (FTTH/B) networks now pass around 295 million homes, covering roughly 79% of households, according to the latest FTTH Council Europe Market Panorama. Deployment added 23 million premises in the past year, though rollout is slowing in mature markets.

Subscriber numbers continue to rise, reaching 160 million, up 13% year-on-year, with an average take-up rate of 54%. Rural coverage is also improving, with 65% of homes in the EU27+UK area now passed by fibre, reflecting targeted public funding and deployment initiatives.

Looking ahead, forecasts suggest FTTH/B could reach 353 million premises with over 251 million subscribers by 2031. Industry leaders emphasize that future efforts will focus on accelerating adoption, retiring legacy copper networks, and supporting digital ecosystems powered by fibre, including AI, immersive media, and industrial automation.

NEXT EVENTS

Last chance to register 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.

#FibreHorizon is the FTTH Council Europe's monthly selection

of digital and fibre-related news.

For more information, check our website or contact us.

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 180 member companies.

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