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.

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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.

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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.

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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