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.

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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.

James Wheatley

Jun 3, 2024

All applicants | Board of Directors applicants |

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Applying for a Board of Directors position

First and Last Name: James Wheatley

Company Name: IQGeo

Current position: Head of Product Management

Company Type: Vendor/Reseller (Products)

Biography:

I have worked in the telecoms industry, specifically the geospatial software business for over 25 years. I am currently Head of Product Management at IQGeo, with responsibility for all aspects of product management relating to the IQGeo solutions portfolio for both telecoms and utility markets, in particular working with our end customers to define our product roadmap. I completed my doctorate in Geographic Information Systems at the University of Newcastle upon Tyne in the UK and then went on to work at GE Smallworld. During my time at GE, I worked in a range of roles in the telecommunications business before moving into product management. I managed the Smallworld telecoms portfolio for over 10 years. At IQGeo I have been Head of Product Management since 2022 leading the team with responsibility to define the product roadmap.

Position statement:

I am currently the Head of Product Management at IQGeo. I have worked my entire career, now over 25 years, in the telecoms domain, always working in the geospatial\GIS part of the industry, with a particular focus on physical network inventory. I joined IQGeo two years ago and prior to that I held various roles at GE in the Smallworld business, always focused on the telecoms market. My experience in product management working with customers has provided me with a global view of the telecoms industry from a software perspective, and I see software as a critical aspect for the industry and important to be represented at Board level within the Council. The nature of my role in product management requires me to keep up with a broad range of topics within the telecoms industry, software but hardware also, and constantly evaluate and consider how these changes, both socio-economic and technological, will impact the world of FTTH in Europe. My global role also allows me to see wider trends in the industry and understand how they may apply to the Council’s focused mission in Europe. IQGeo’s recognises the importance of the Council and I have the on-going support of the senior leadership team to dedicate time to being a member of the Board, as Raf Meersman has done in the past four years. I believe that I can make a valuable contribution to the Board by bringing perspective from the software vendor community to the Board level first and foremost but my many years experience with the conference also provides me the opportunity to provide insights into the future of this critical element of the Council’s activities. If successful with my candidacy I look forward to working the board over the next two years to drive forward the Council’s mission to reach full fibre adoption in Europe.

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

I have been engaged with FTTH Council for 10 years now. I first attended the conference in 2015 and have participated in the conference every year since. During that time I have organised and participated in opening day workshops nearly every year with variety of operators and vendors, frequently with my colleagues from Comsof. I have engaged with the D&O committee on and off over that time, particularly regarding the FTTH Handbook which I have contributed too, first time version 4 or 5 and I largely re-wrote the GIS section in the last major release, version 9, from 2021. I have also attended the last 3 General Assemblies to increase my participation and representation at the Council.

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