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.

Driving Sustainability and Circularity in the European FTTH Sector

Jul 3, 2025

Committee News | Sustainability Committee |

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The Sustainability Committee is entering a new phase. Over the past two years, we have worked intensively on the pilot project for the FTTH Eco Platform, and over the last year, significant time and energy have been dedicated to its market introduction. Of course, we will continue our efforts to encourage more members—and non-members—to join the FTTH Eco Platform, enabling us to measure the impact of CO₂ reduction projects and other sustainability initiatives across our community.

Through the FTTH Eco Platform, we bring this data together and create a unique overview of the European FTTH sector’s pathway to Net Zero. To strengthen this effort, we call on all FTTH Council members to register and actively participate in the FTTH Eco Platform.

Integrating the FTTH sector into the EU Taxonomy is another important goal for this year. This is a collaborative project involving several Committees, and during the summer, we expect another consultation round on a draft plan for the EU Code of Conduct for the Sustainability of Telecommunications Networks, to which we will submit a joint response. Encouragingly, after the first consultation round, several of the FTTH Council’s proposals were already adopted. Final decisions on the sector’s inclusion in the EU Taxonomy are expected in 2026.

Circularity is also inextricably linked to sustainability. When is a product truly circular, and how can this be determined? The Sustainability Committee will address this for the FTTH sector. Using the Circular Transition Indicators developed by the World Business Council for Sustainable Development, we aim to develop sector-specific guidance that will make it possible to calculate the circularity of optical fibre products.

Members interested in contributing to this working group are invited to contact the Committee Chair.

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