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November 2026 Edition

- News from our members

- Telecom Digest:

European Parliament advances Digital Networks Act with new draft report
BEREC opens public consultation on access conditions to State aid-funded networks
Commission opens in-depth investigation into Sweden’s proposed wholesale local access regulation
BEREC publishes report comparing Europe's telecom sector with global markets
Belgium moves forward with fibre-ready building requirements under EU Gigabit Infrastructure Act
Arcep releases cost model and draft pricing guidelines
National Broadband Plan reaches county completion milestones in four counties
Fibre reaches 18,4 million lines in Spain in August

- News from the Fibre Council Europe

- Next events from the Fibre Council Europe

NEWS FROM OUR MEMBERS

Aggregators break down barriers in the connectivity ecosystem

Sonalake CEO Philip Sharpe explains why the connectivity supply chain is becoming more complex and how aggregators can help.

How many devices without slowdowns? The always-on home

30 smart devices or just 10? The number isn’t what slows your Wi-Fi down: what matters is what they’re doing at the same time. From router coverage to 4K streaming, discover what really shapes your always-on home’s performance. Read more on the Open Fiber website.

Beyond fibre coverage: Where will Spain's next growth opportunities come from?

Spain's mature fibre market is entering a new phase. WholesaleSpain 2026 research reveals significant regional differences in broadband speeds and pricing, while highlighting how competition and neutral networks are associated with purchasing patterns. The findings point to untapped rural demand and opportunities beyond traditional connectivity.

AI and Fiber Networks: The Future of Fiber Installation

How artificial intelligence is reshaping global fiber infrastructure – and why efficient fiber installation matters more than ever.

Only 13% of Telecom Operators Say Their Network Data Is Largely Accurate

Industry survey of 500 senior telecom decision-makers finds operators are flying blind on physical network data, and it’s impacting operations and deal valuations.

Hollow-core fibre (HCF) testing explained: questions and misconceptions

As hollow-core fibre (HCF) moves into real-world deployment, are conventional fibre-testing methods enough to validate its performance? Drawing on field experience, this article addresses common HCF testing questions and misconceptions. Discover how EXFO’s testing solutions help network teams characterise HCF and support reliable deployment.

TELECOM DIGEST

European Parliament advances Digital Networks Act with new draft report

The European Parliament's rapporteur for the Digital Networks Act, Michał Kobosko, has published his draft report on the proposed reform of EU telecom rules. The text puts greater emphasis on a conditions-based approach to copper switch-off, rather than relying on a fixed deadline, and addresses the regulatory framework for competition and connectivity investment. The draft will now be examined by Parliament's Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE).

BEREC opens public consultation on access conditions to State aid funded networks

BEREC has opened a consultation on a draft report examining how wholesale access is granted on publicly funded FTTP networks across the EU. EU rules oblige subsidised networks to grant access on fair and non-discriminatory terms, yet the report shows that Member States apply these principles in different ways, particularly regarding regulators' involvement and pricing methodologies. Active access products generally attract greater commercial interest, while demand for passive infrastructure access, such as ducts and poles, remains low in most reporting countries. Stakeholders can respond until 13 November 2026.

Commission opens in-depth investigation into Sweden’s proposed wholesale local access regulation

The European Commission has opened an in-depth investigation into Sweden’s plans to regulate wholesale local access to fibre. Sweden’s fibre market consists of many separate local networks, and the Commission does not object to treating each as a separate geographic market. However, it questions PTS’s use of a fixed threshold of 5.000 connections to assess local markets and identify significant market power, as well as whether the proposed regulatory obligations adequately reflect local market conditions. PTS cannot adopt the proposed measures while the investigation is ongoing.

BEREC publishes report comparing Europe's telecom sector with global markets

BEREC has published its Telecom Reality Check report, comparing the EU-27 with major international markets. The report finds that FTTP and 5G deployment have advanced considerably, although gaps in high-speed fixed broadband availability persist between urban and rural areas. European broadband services remain comparatively affordable, but average download speeds continue to lag behind those of leading international markets. BEREC also highlights the role of the EU regulatory framework in supporting competition and investment.

Belgium moves forward with fibre-ready building requirements under EU Gigabit Infrastructure Act

Belgium’s Council of Ministers has approved a draft Royal Decree setting out technical specifications to make new and extensively renovated buildings fibre-ready. The proposal sets out requirements for in-building physical infrastructure and optical fibre cabling, with specifications varying by building type. The draft will undergo further institutional review before final adoption.

Arcep releases cost model and draft pricing guidelines

France’s telecom regulator Arcep has published a cost model and draft pricing guidelines to secure the long-term upkeep of fibre public initiative networks. The tools are meant to ensure that the cost of maintaining these networks is borne by the ISPs that use them, rather than by public budgets. Arcep’s simulations suggest that current fees fall below the estimated maintenance costs for slightly more than half of these networks. For most of them, an increase of €0,50 to €2,00 per active line per month would be needed to cover these costs. The consultation runs until 16 November 2026.

National Broadband Plan reaches county completion milestones in four counties

Ireland’s National Broadband Plan reached major rollout milestones in October, with the Government highlighting progress in Roscommon, Wexford, Louth and Cavan. The four counties account for some 70.000 homes, farms and businesses that can now connect to high-speed fibre, supported by more than €260 million in public investment. The Department of Culture, Communications and Sport announced that the main nationwide network build under the €2,7 billion programme remains on schedule for completion by the end of 2026, with take-up higher than expected according to the Minister.

Fibre reaches 18,4 million lines in Spain in August

Spain counted 18,4 million fibre to the home (FTTH) lines at the end of August 2026, according to the monthly telecom statistics published by the national markets and competition authority (CNMC). Net FTTH growth over the month amounted to 64.441 lines, out of a total of 20,1 million fixed broadband connections nationwide.

NEWS FROM THE COUNCIL

Fibre Council Europe joins forces to launch DNA Europe

Fibre Council Europe has joined five other industry organisations to launch DNA Europe – the Digital Networks Alliance for Europe, a coalition advocating for an ambitious and pro-competitive Digital Networks Act.

Launched on 12 October, the Alliance brings together ANGA, BREKO, Ecta, the Swedish Local Fibre Alliance, VATM and Fibre Council Europe around two shared priorities: establishing a clear and mandatory pathway from copper to fibre and safeguarding effective competition.

Through this joint initiative, the founding organisations aim to strengthen the industry's voice in shaping a regulatory framework that supports investment, innovation and Europe's digital future.

DISCOVER DNA EUROPE

Webinar Replay and White Paper Now Available : The benefits of Optical LAN for Enterprise and Campus Networks

Fibre Council Europe’s latest white paper, developed by the Deployment & Operations Committee, explores how Optical LAN delivers faster, more reliable and more sustainable networks for enterprises, from hospitals and hotels to factories and campuses.

Its findings were presented on 29 October in our webinar, moderated by Cemil Canturk (Nokia), Vice Chair for Optical LAN within the Committee. He was joined by Richard van Wijk (Nokia), Piers Benjamin (Corning Optical Communications), Nicolas Mulder (Lightera) and Henson Toland (HFCL Limited).

The full replay and slides are now available alongside the white paper, offering both the detailed findings and the panel’s perspectives on what they mean for the sector.

NEXT EVENTS

Upcoming webinar: Stronger customer relationships, without the heavy lift: what holds FTTH operators back

Fibre operators have invested heavily in delivering high-quality connectivity. Yet customer engagement often remains limited to installation, billing and technical support, making it increasingly difficult to build lasting relationships and differentiate beyond speed alone.

How can operators create stronger customer relationships without adding operational complexity?

On Thursday 12 November at 2:00 PM CET, this interactive webinar will explore the challenges operators face in engaging customers, introducing value-added services and demonstrating their impact.

Moderated by Vincent Garnier, the conversation will feature Tuomas Pippola, Director of Product Management at F-Secure, and Alexandre Bouyat, Partner Growth Manager at F-Secure.

Together, they will explore practical approaches to strengthening customer relationships, including how partner-enabled services can help operators create additional value without significant new investments or resources.

What you will take away

Why customer engagement often becomes limited to billing and support, and how to create more meaningful touchpoints.
The main barriers operators face when introducing new value-added services, and practical ways to address them.
How partner-enabled services can help operators strengthen customer relationships without adding unnecessary complexity.
How to assess progress through indicators such as customer satisfaction, retention and service adoption.

This is an interactive discussion. Live polls and audience Q&A will give you the opportunity to share your experiences and put your questions directly to the speakers.

Secure your spot here.

Vincent speaking at NOGUA 2026

At NOGUA, taking place in Lviv from 12 to 15 November 2026, Fibre Council Europe Director General Vincent Garnier will speak to the Ukrainian telecom community. As he cannot attend in person, he will share his message by video.

His message builds on our exchange with Ukrainian representatives, who have joined our events since 2022. Their insights into managing critical infrastructure during the war have given our community an invaluable perspective.

Vincent will look at how this cooperation can go further, with Ukraine and Europe working more closely together within a shared fibre ecosystem and exchanging knowledge, technology and investment in both directions.

Learn more about Nogua here.

Fibre Horizons 2027 marks the next chapter of Europe’s leading fibre industry event. Building on more than 20 years of bringing the fibre ecosystem together, the conference is evolving to reflect the expanding role of fibre across data centres, core, access and edge connectivity.

Taking place on 17–18 March 2027 at Allianz MiCo in Milan, Fibre Horizons will bring together operators, service providers, technology leaders, investors and policymakers for two days of strategic insight, thought leadership and high-value networking. The programme will explore the technologies, investment, policy and innovation shaping the next generation of digital infrastructure, with new Data Centre and Enterprise content, interactive roundtables and expanded networking opportunities.

Save the date and stay tuned for programme announcements, speaker updates and further event highlights.

#FibreMinds is Fibre Council Europe's monthly selection

of digital and fibre-related news.

For more information, check our website or contact us.

About Us

Fibre Council Europe, formerly known as FTTH Council Europe, is a not-for-profit industry association bringing together more than 160 members across the fibre connectivity value chain and working to advance ubiquitous full fibre-based connectivity across Europe.

Building on more than two decades of expertise in FTTH and full-fibre connectivity, the Council represents the broader fibre ecosystem today — from residential and business connectivity to the fibre infrastructure supporting mobile networks, data centres and digital services.

Through advocacy, market intelligence, industry collaboration and engagement with policymakers and stakeholders, Fibre Council Europe works to advance future-proof, sustainable fibre infrastructure as a foundation for Europe’s digital transformation, competitiveness and long-term prosperity. This convening role is also reflected in Fibre Horizons, the Council’s flagship industry conference, which brings the European fibre ecosystem together.

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