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IN THIS ISSUE
- Latest news from our Members
- Telecom digest:
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EU Commission launches broad consultation on Europe’s digital infrastructure needs via new White Paper
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The Danish Competition Council (DCCA) authorises Norlys' acquisition of Telia Company
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European Commission approves the merge between Orange Spain and Masmovil
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Zegona's acquisition of Vodafone Spain has been authorised by CNMC
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UK Project Gigabit now in full stream / Ofcom complains about ISPs slowing down OTS competition
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FTTH Conference 2024 in Berlin bringing on stage the German Federal Minister for Digital alongside many industry leaders in less than two weeks
- Next events from the FTTH Council Europe
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Membership outreach is an important part of our mission. This is why, the FTTH Council Europe, we are pleased to have many prominent industry players joining our association on a regular basis. Let’s take a moment to welcome our newest Members, joining us in our mission of advancing ubiquitous FTTH connectivity across Europe. Meet them all on our website.
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NEWS FROM OUR MEMBERS
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The UK's connectivity market faces surging demand, with 14 million homes passed and 3 million connected by December 2023. To meet this demand while cutting operational costs, Omelcom's latest article outlines key strategies.
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The digital evolution in education involves ultra-fast connectivity and new methods like Challenge Based Learning. This approach promotes active learning by engaging students in practical projects, fully realized through a high-speed fiber optic broadband network for online research and presentation sharing. Learn more on the Open Fiber website.
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Migration to 400 G / 800 G continues to meet bandwidth demands. Planning for future capacity needs and scaling infrastructure while maintaining high availability and minimizing service interruptions remains a challenge. Carsten Ludwig, Market Manager Data Center R&M, examines the challenges and solutions.
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To ensure the quality and performance of FTTH networks, an efficient certification process is essential – this is where a centralised test approach can help reduce costs, protect assets and accelerate deployments. Read VIAVI’s blog to learn more about certifying PON construction with centralised test and the kinds of issues it can help address.
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The UK has leapt ahead with XGS-PON. Despite a late start, it capitalized on the ITU's 2016 XGS-PON standard, enabling 10Gbit/s symmetrical connectivity. New operators quickly distinguishing their networks with significantly enhanced capacity. XGS-PON offers enables cost-effective expansion, cementing the UK’s leadership in infrastructure development. Keep reading on Adtran’s website.
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If you are an ISP considering when to introduce Wi-Fi 7 into your portfolio, there are a number of factors to carefully consider: affordability, current (and future) use-cases, the needs and expectations of your subscriber-base and being an early-adopter vs. waiting a bit and seeing what the market brings. Read-on and consider what you could prioritize, in determining when to pull-the-trigger on Wi-Fi 7:Life in the Fast Lane: Why Service Providers Need to *Prepare* for Wi-Fi 7 by James McKenna, Senior Systems Engineer at Calix.
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The FTTH sector in Europe is making huge progress, having reached some 219 million homes and 108 million subscribers. But this rapid expansion hasn't come without its fair share of hurdles. Operators grapple with a host of challenges that often lead to prolonged and costly implementation processes. Find out in this article by CommScope published in Fibre Systems how pre-connectorisation can help.
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Connect Fibre, one of the UK’s prominent broadband Alternative Network providers (Altnet), has chosen Deepomatic’s cutting-edge First Time Right Automation platform to ensure the seamless execution of fibre roll-out operations and PIA documentation. Read the full press release.
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Fibre optics are the backbone of modern communication infrastructure, and their deployment is crucial for meeting the connectivity demands of communities and businesses. This paper , by FNT Solutions Inc, is a comprehensive guide for achieving an efficient rollout, including what’s needed to be successful and how to overcome the biggest challenges faced along the way.
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Nexera has summarised 2023: 680,000 households in almost 5,000 towns and cities in Poland were within reach of Nexera's multi-fibre optic cable. During the year, 180,000 addresses with access to the high-speed network were added. By 2023 Nexera has built networks with a total value of PLN 2 billion.
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EU Commission launches broad consultation on Europe's digital infrastructure needs via new White Paper
The European Commission has released a white paper titled "How to master Europe's digital infrastructure needs?", which acknowledges the constraints that have slowed the EU's progress towards its digital goals, such as fixed gigabit and 5G access for all European citizens by 2030. According to the report, the telecommunications industry confronts various challenges, including fragmentation and a lack of scale, investment requirements exceeding €200 billion, uncoordinated spectrum management, the risk of reliance on non-EU providers, and a lack of industrial capacity. Additionally, it offers numerous efforts on more harmonisation of spectrum authorisation processes, therefore establishing the conditions for market size necessary for pan-EU operators to achieve higher investment capacity and access regulation, a shift in access policy in light of the full fibre environment.
The Commission also devoted a separate section in the White Paper on copper switch-off – a crucial topic from the FTTH Council Europe perspective. It states that the migration from legacy copper to fibre networks is a key process to facilitate the transition towards the new connectivity ecosystem and contribute to the EU’s green objectives. The Commission states that achieving a copper switch-off for 80% subscribers in the EU by 2028 and the remaining 20% by 2030 seems appropriate, and this needs a clear roadmap. With regards to the “fair share” issue, the Commission stated that it may broaden the scope and objectives of the current regulatory framework to ensure a level playing field and equal rights and obligations for all actors and end-users of digital networks but provided no concrete plans for requiring Big Tech to contribute to network costs due to the complexity of the situation.
A public consultation is now open on the 12 measures outlined in the White Paper, and all interested parties are welcome to provide their comments by June 30, 2024. The FTTH Council Europe will participate in the public consultation, articulating its position on matters pertinent to the FTTH ecosystem, and effectively communicating this to key decision-makers and stakeholders.
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The Danish Competition Council (DCCA) authorises Norlys' acquisition of Telia Company
The Danish Competition Council (DCCA) has authorised Norlys' acquisition of Telia Company AB's Danish operations, which include mobile, broadband, and television services. The DCCA was concerned about the acquisition's impact on competition for fixed broadband connections and mobile services in Denmark, however, Norlys has agreed to give equal and non-discriminatory access to its fibre infrastructure, thereby resolving the DCCA's concerns and approving the merger.
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European Commission approves the merge between Orange Spain and Masmovil
As reported by Orange via a press release, the European Commission has granted conditional approval for the merger between Orange Spain and Masmovil. The European Commission stated that the agreement between the two companies to sell spectrum licences to Digi, along with their offer on wholesale roaming, addressed concerns about competition arising from the arrangement. This deal will result in a reduction of the number of market players from four to three. "The commitments provided by the parties will allow Digi, the leading and rapidly expanding mobile virtual network operator in Spain, to emulate the significant competitive force exerted by Masmovil," stated Margrethe Vestager, the European Union's antitrust commissioner. Orange and Masmovil are the second and fourth major telecommunications companies in Spain. In December, Digi entered into an arrangement with Orange and Masmovil to purchase spectrum licences for €120m, excluding any spectrum below 1Ghz. Additionally, Digi obtained the opportunity to potentially establish a wholesale relationship with Orange's network in the future. The Commission determined that the transferred mobile spectrum will allow Digi to construct its own mobile network, while the discretionary national roaming arrangement will assist the company in extending its coverage throughout Spain. According to the Commission, the absence of the remedies may have resulted in a 10% increase in pricing. Orange and Masmovil expressed their approval of the decision and stated their intention to finalise the agreement by the end of the first quarter.
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Zegona's acquisition of Vodafone Spain has been authorised by CNMC
Zegona's acquisition of Vodafone Spain has been approved by the National Markets and Competition Commission (CNMC). As to the CNMC, the operation is not seen to constitute a risk to competitive market conditions because Zegona has no business operations in Spain, hence there are no shared markets or overlapping activities between the companies involved. The regulatory authority confirms that the operation would have no impact on the structure or competitive dynamics of the market. Therefore, it is authorised in the initial phase without any constraints. Zegona was granted approval by the European Commission this week to acquire Vodafone Spain. However, Zegona is required to obtain authorizations from the Secretary of State for Telecommunications, who is under the Ministry of Digital Transformation, in order to transfer the necessary radio spectrum concessions. Additionally, Zegona must also comply with foreign investment legislation and seek approval from the Council of Ministers. Zegona aims to obtain the necessary approvals for the transaction by the end of the first quarter of the year.
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UK Project Gigabit now in full stream / Ofcom complains about ISPs slowing down OTS competition
The UK government introduced a £5 (€5,85) billion initiative to offer financial support to network developers in order to extend Gigabit broadband to remote regions. Officially, no premises were classified as cleared under Project Gigabit, but less than 200 households still needed additional testing. DSIT's data for January 2024 indicates that 4.300 houses have been reached by Project Gigabit through the Gigabit Infrastructure Subsidy. Most of these houses and businesses have been connected with the help of government funding over an extended time. The current statistic shows a steady progress, indicating an increase of 77.100 since March of the previous year. The UK is now implementing gigabit networks at a quicker pace than any other EU country, with 80% of premises already capable of accessing upgrades. In 2019, only 6% of UK homes have access to Gigabit broadband, showing rapid expansion. The government now aims to achieve 85% Gigabit broadband coverage by 2025. Two additional contracts have been granted by the government: £60 (€70.2) million for Quickline to reach 28.000 locations in North and West Yorkshire, and £16 (€18,7) million for Gigaclear to expand the network to 4.400 households and businesses in East Gloucestershire.
On the other hand, Ofcom, the telecommunications regulator in the UK, has reportedly written a letter to UK Internet Service Providers (ISPs) pushing them to expedite the adoption of One Touch Switch (OTS) system technology. The letter articulates discontent with the implementation efforts of BT, Sky, TalkTalk, and VMO2 regarding OTS and urges for the earliest feasible launch date. Ofcom is worried about the frequent postponements and the extended duration now required to establish a mutually agreed upon go-live date. This is hindering consumers from experiencing the advantages of a more convenient and straightforward switching process. Since 2021, Ofcom has prioritised the notion of OTS, which enables users to switch their internet service provider (ISP) within a 24-hour period. Nevertheless, the technological difficulty has proven to be more significant than anticipated, resulting in the failure to meet the deadline of 3rd April 2023 for OTS.
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FTTH Conference 2024 in Berlin bringing on stage the German Federal Minister for Digital alongside many industry leaders in less than two weeks
The conference starts with 24 workshops led by the FTTH Council Europe's Members, Partners, and Committees, focusing on fibre optic technology, investment trends, sustainability, and policy & regulation strategies to accelerate roll-out and take-up of FTTH. Featuring top industry leaders, the agenda of days 2 and 3 includes 16 panel sessions and multiple keynotes on market evolutions, technology trends, investment, regulatory frameworks, and special reports on markets including Poland, the Baltics, the UK, and Germany. As part of the plenary session, Roberto Viola, Director General at European Commission’s DG CNECT, and Teresa Czerwińska, Vice-President at the European Investment Bank, will shed lights on the current status of EU-led initiatives aimed at advancing FTTH infrastructure. Also, a keynote by the German Federal Minister for Digital, Dr. Volker Wissing, and a panel with industry leaders from top German telecom companies will highlight the state of fibre roll-out in Germany on Wednesday 20th March.
The FTTH Council Europe is expecting around 3.500-4.000 delegates and over 100 exhibitors, showcasing the latest in fibre technology across two exhibition halls. The FTTH Conference attracts a prestigious audience with a significant number of decision-makers, including 25% 'C' level and 21% Director level attendance, mainly from telecoms, utilities, government, and finance sectors. An event app, all-inclusive refreshments, and special events like the Fibration Night at DogTap Berlin make for exceptional networking opportunities over the three-day event. Finally, introducing a new dimension to the traditional FTTH Awards, this year will feature the FTTH Innovation Awards. Fifteen leading fibre technology vendors have been shortlisted for five different categories, presenting their innovative solutions during the two-day exhibition. Attendees may experience the shortlisted solutions and will be able to meet the final winners during the dedicated FTTH Innovation Awards Ceremony on Thursday, 21st March at 13:45 CET. Learn more via FTTH Council Europe’s press release.
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NEXT EVENTS
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We are looking forward to welcoming you to Europe’s leading fibre optic summer, just in less than two weeks! You are still on time to book your tickets for the show: join thousands of attendees and over 100 leading fibre technology vendors for what promises to be the busiest FTTH Conference yet.
More information and ticket order at www.ftthconference.eu
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In the context of the upcoming Next Giga Connect Europe 2024 event, organised by Dataxis and taking place at the Cavendish Conference Centre in London, on 4th June 2024, our Director General Vincent Garnier will join prominent representatives from the European telecom industry to discuss the current state of fibre optic rollout in Europe.
Where do we stand on the path to bringing gigabit connectivity to everyone in Europe by 2030? What are the most successful strategies and the hurdles that industry players are facing while deploying network infrastructures?
Join us on 4th June in London to find out the answers!
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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 160 member companies.
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