Our key policy priorities

The FTTH Council Europe considers that fibre networks are fundamental to the digital transformation of European economies and that the objectives of the Digital Decade need to be reached in a timely fashion.

To this end, the FTTH Council Europe considers it essential to maintain a favourable regulatory framework for fibre investment in a competitive environment. The existing framework has delivered, and is delivering, good results in terms of fibre deployment and in our view, in Europe, concerns are mostly on the demand side of the fibre market.

Among our key policy priority is copper switch-off, which would give a clear signal to the sector and investors, have positive impact on FTTH roll-out and adoption, and have advantages in terms of energy efficiency and operational costs. This is why the FTTH Council Europe launched the Copper Switch-Off Tracker.

Browse below our key objectives that in our view should be at the core of the current 2024-2029 EU legislative and regulatory cycle.

Our positions as FTTH Council Europe

Reducing uncertainty on the demand side

Clear policy objectives, such as progressive copper switch-off, encourage investment in fibre networks. Learn how these measures boost productivity and support the green transition.

Maintaining a Competitive Environment

Effective competition drives innovation and network expansion. Explore our strategies to promote fair market practices and prevent monopolistic behaviour in fibre network development.

Facilitating Fibre Network Deployment

A favourable regulatory environment is critical for fibre deployment. From reducing barriers to infrastructure sharing to implementing cost-reduction measures, Europe needs to further develop a fibre-friendly ecosystem.

Supporting the Green Transition

Transitioning to fibre networks offers significant energy savings and environmental benefits. We advocate for integrating fibre networks into the EU taxonomy to unlock green financing opportunities.

Ensuring Spectrum Availability for In-Home Connectivity

In-home Wi-Fi is the backbone of digital usage. Proper allocation of the 6GHz spectrum is vital to ensure faster and more reliable connectivity for European households and businesses.

Digital Networks Act

We welcome the Digital Networks Act’s focus on investment and competition, supporting regulatory stability through the SMP process. We support a balanced copper switch-off protecting consumers, tailored access remedies reflecting national realities, and constructive engagement to accelerate FTTH deployment and strengthen sustainable competition.

Cybersecurity Act

The FTTH Council Europe supports stronger security and resilience in Europe’s telecom network and services market, understands that the proposed Cybersecurity Act is part of the broader strategy aimed at guaranteeing Europe’s strategic autonomy and security, and is willing to cooperate with European Institutions to achieve this objective.

Copper Switch-Off Tracker

This new study, carried out by Cullen International and set to become a vital evidence base for policymakers, regulators, operators and investors, provides a comprehensive analysis of the progress toward deactivating legacy copper networks in the EU27 + UK area, including policy and market implications of transitioning to fibre.

Learn more

FTTH Policy & Regulations essentials

The deployment of FTTH networks is a complex and multifaceted endeavour, and the framework governing their rollout is of utmost importance: this guide has the aim of providing companies, policymakers, investors, and other stakeholders with the policy & regulations fundamentals for the deployment of FTTH networks in Europe.

Learn more

FTTH Adoption Drivers and Hurdles in Europe

By carrying out a thorough analysis of FTTH market data and doing a deep dive into 8 selected countries, the FTTH Council Europe, in collaboration with Plum Consulting, has developed a series of recommendations of measures that both policymakers and industry executives will find useful when considering how to increase the FTTH adoption.

European FTTH/B Market Panorama 2021

May 12, 2021

Reports & Studies | Market Intelligence Committee |

Back to library

On 12 May the FTTH Council Europe revealed the 2021 Market Panorama and the latest figures outlining fibre deployment trends in Europe prepared with IDATE.

Ranking and the Market Panorama will be updated next year, whereas the FTTH/B market forecasts for 2021 and 2026 will be unveiled at the FTTH Virtual Conference 2021 on September 15-16.

Every year since 2007, the FTTH Council Europe releases a market panorama which provides a snapshot of the state of fibre in Europe and globally. This comprehensive set of data highlights indicators which influence fibre deployment and provide an overview of trends for coverage, take-up rate, number of subscribers and homes passed for FTTH/B. The most popular finding of the Fibre Market Panorama is our annual ranking showing what European countries are leading the full-fibre charge by highlighting FTTH/B network buildout and active fibre subscribers. The FTTH Council Europe also publishes a forecast with a 5 to 10-year perspective.

Whereas the general market panorama report is publicly available, members of the FTTH Council Europe are granted exclusive access to the granular and very detailed data depicting FTTH/B parameters in the majority of the European and a handful of Asian countries. This unique data allows our members, including regional and international operators, manufacturers, and investors, to efficiently navigate their business & direct their investments where it's most needed or will be viable in years to come.

Members of the FTTH Council Europe can access the underlying market panorama data and other content & exclusive services via member-restricted extranet (subject to certain conditions).

View all