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:

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

Tom Ronan

Jun 3, 2024

All applicants | Board of Directors applicants |

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Applying for a Board of Directors position

First and Last Name: Tom Ronan

Company Name: Viavi Solutions

Current position: Director, Regional Product Managers

Company Type: Vendor/Reseller (Products)

Biography:

Throughout my career at Viavi, I’ve travelled across the globe, supporting customers in their quest for top-notch full fibre connectivity and services. My expertise spans the entire fibre network lifecycle, from manufacturing and deployment to operations and maintenance. I’m well-versed in both passive connectivity solutions and cutting-edge active technologies, including emerging standards. As part of my role, I directly engage with industry vendors—the backbone of any successful council. With the right competencies and experience, I’m eager to represent them and our wider community on the board. My journey with FTTH Councils began in Melbourne, Australia. There, I actively contributed to the Fiber Network Council APAC (formerly FTTH Council APAC). As a passionate advocate for the transformative power of fibre optics, I’ve witnessed firsthand how it revolutionises social, educational, and healthcare accessibility in markets like India. Upon returning to the UK, I joined the FTTH Council Europe in 2013. Proudly representing VIAVI, I’ve been involved in many conference workshops, moderating panels and speaking sessions on industry topics as we work together to address connectivity challenges and accelerate progress. Now, I aspire to apply my personal and professional experience as part of the FTTH Council board, as we continue our journey of impacting individuals, communities, and businesses through transformative connectivity. I would appreciate your support and vote to elect me to the board of FTTH Council Europe.

Position statement:

I have been a member of FTTH Council Europe for over a decade, proudly representing VIAVI Solutions, the fibre optic industry’s leading test and measurement vendor. During that time, I have regularly engaged in conference workshops, panels, and presentations on a range of topics from building networks to monitoring and maintenance.

Your past role(s) and activities in the FTTH Council Europe:

While it has been over a decade since I joined FTTH Council Europe, my first interaction with the FTTH Councils came when I lived in Melbourne, Australia, as a member of the Fiber Network Council APAC (formerly FTTH Council APAC). Once I moved to the UK in 2013, I joined FTTH Council Europe as the council’s goals align with my own – bringing advanced full-fibre connectivity to all of Europe!

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Tom Ronan

Applying for a Board of Directors position

Biography:

Position statement:

Your past role(s) and activities in the FTTH Council Europe:

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