About the Committee

The Investments & ESG Committee brings together the work of the Council's former Investors, Sustainability and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion committees under a single structure, reflecting how closely capital, environmental performance and social responsibility are now linked in digital infrastructure.

The Committee provides a forum for investors, operators and industry experts to examine the financial and non-financial factors shaping fibre and data centre investment across Europe. Its scope spans the investment landscape and financing conditions for network rollout, the environmental footprint and sustainability credentials of fibre infrastructure, and the governance and diversity practices that support a resilient, competitive industry.

By combining these perspectives, the Committee aims to give members a clearer view of how ESG considerations influence investment decisions,  and how the sector can demonstrate its value to the investors, policymakers and stakeholders who rely on that evidence.

This page is new and growing. The Committee's reports, studies, and other resources will be added here as they're published - in the meantime, you can explore the latest assets below.

FTTH/B in Rural Areas 2025

The FTTH/B in Rural Areas 2024 report, published by the FTTH Council Europe, provides an in-depth analysis of fiber deployment in rural regions across EU27+UK. It highlights coverage expansion trends, investment strategies, and regulatory frameworks aimed at closing the digital divide.

Key insights include the growth of FTTH/B coverage in rural areas, now at 63.6% (+11 pp YoY), and the varied approaches across countries—some prioritizing FTTH-only strategies, while others adopt technology-neutral solutions. Despite coverage growth, adoption remains a challenge, with take-up rates varying widely across countries.

The report also details government initiatives, funding programs (such as the EU’s €8 billion CEF Digital), and private sector investments driving broadband expansion.

With the EU’s Digital Decade targets aiming for universal gigabit coverage by 2030, the report underscores the need for continued investment and policy alignment to ensure high-speed connectivity reaches all rural communities.

This edition also introduces an enhanced country-by-country analysis, offering a detailed breakdown of regulatory frameworks, deployment challenges, and funding mechanisms shaping rural FTTH/B expansion in each market.

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