Introduced in 2023, the Open Access Committee has several objectives, including promoting the idea of Open Access and the wholesale fibre business model, stimulating and encouraging wholesale-oriented regulation and discussing and exchanging experience and best practices. To deliver on its mission and based on the know-how of its member companies, the Committee touches upon several fields, including the regulatory framework for wholesale operators, the technical aspects of Open Access, IT solutions for network operators, promotion and education, and sales and marketing of Open Access-based fibre services.

You can expect a variety of new contents and resources generating from these discussions, that will soon become beneficial to the fibre community at large.

For those who are not familiar with the concept of Open Access, here are five main advantages of adopting this business model while deploying FTTH networks, as identified by the working group:

  1. Open Access is a model that allows for the deployment and operation of fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) networks in a cost-efficient way.  Building one infrastructure that is accessible to all service providers is in fact very cost-efficient, and has a significant impact on national coverage and market value. This cost-efficiency results from the fact that the same infrastructure is shared by all service providers, reducing the need for multiple infrastructures and saving on deployment and maintenance costs.
  2. The wholesale model can be very agile in administration, as there is no customer care. This means that service providers can focus on delivering services, while wholesale operators handle infrastructure maintenance and management.
  3. Service providers benefit from extensive coverage of the open access network without upfront investment, which makes it easier for them to provide services to customers without having to invest in expensive infrastructure.
  4. End-users benefit from a variety of services provided by diverse operators over the open access network. This means that customers have access to more choices in terms of services, pricing, and quality.
  5. Open Access drives competition of services in a very simple and transparent way. The wholesale operator does not compete with service providers, and service providers have equal terms and conditions of access. This creates equal opportunities for all service providers, promoting a more competitive and dynamic market.

FTTH Policy & Regulation essentials

The deployment and adoption of Fiber to the Home (FTTH) networks is of utmost importance in Europe, as it forms the backbone of the digital infrastructure needed to support the twin digital and green transition, stimulate economic growth, foster social cohesion, and drive technological innovation. However, the deployment of FTTH networks is a complex and multifaceted endeavour, requiring careful planning, substantial investment, and effective regulation. The policy and regulatory framework governing FTTH deployment in Europe is therefore of utmost importance, as it has an impact on investors willingness to invest, the level of those investments, the pace of deployment, and the quality and terms of services ultimately offered to end-users.

We hope that this updated guide on policy and regulation in the field of FTTH in Europe will prove to be a valuable resource for companies, policymakers, investors, and other stakeholders who are interested in gaining and deepening their knowledge about the fundamentals of the policy and regulation framework that is relevant for the deployment of FTTH networks in Europe. This guide aims to help navigate the complex and rapidly evolving policy and regulatory landscape. While most of the guide is focused on the European Union (EU), it also touches upon certain aspects in non-EU markets in Europe, such as the United Kingdom, Switzerland, and others. The guidebook will be regularly updated to reflect the latest developments in the EU regulatory framework governing FTTH deployment, ensuring that readers have access to the most up-to date

This guide is developed by the FTTH Council Europe, whose mission is to advance ubiquitous full fibre-based connectivity to the whole of Europe. By working together and fostering exchanges between our members, we are aiming to ensure that Europe remains a global leader in the digital economy, and that all citizens have access to the high-speed connectivity they need to thrive in the digital age.

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