EU speeds up fibre transition, bids farewell to copper by 2035

From our correspondent in Strasbourg – The European Commission is proposing a major reform of the telecommunications sector. The new Digital Networks Act, presented today by Executive Vice-President Henna Virkkunen, aims to “modernise, simplify, and harmonise the rules on connectivity networks.” Brussels has set the timetable for phasing out copper networks: national plans by 2029, with a view to completing the transition to fibre optics by 2035 at the latest. “We provide safeguards throughout the process to make sure that no one is left behind,” Virkkunen assured. 

At a press conference at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, the Executive Vice-President of the Commission stated that some exceptions will be possible in “areas where fibre deployment is not economically viable” and stressed that “most Member States are well on track, but there are seven countries that are lagging behind.” If the European Parliament and the Council of the EU confirm the Commission’s plan, by autumn 2029, each Member State will have to notify Brussels of its transition plan, identifying the so-called Copper Switch-Off Areas (CSOs), geographical areas where efforts will need to be stepped up. 

To create the conditions for operators to invest in the roll-out of advanced mobile and fibre networks, the European Commission aims to create a single telecommunications market. By introducing a “single passport,” which will allow providers to offer services across the Union by registering in a single country, harmonising spectrum allocation and authorisation at the EU level for satellite operators with unlimited licences, reducing administrative burdens and reporting obligations so that companies can focus their resources on investment and innovation. “The DNA will strengthen competitiveness by providing incentives to support long-term investments and innovation in the sector, supporting the deployment of innovative technologies such as 6G,” said Virkkunen.  

No “fair share” clause to require major traffic‑generating platforms such as Netflix and Google to contribute to the network infrastructure costs of European providers. The Digital Networks Act merely introduces a voluntary cooperation mechanism between connectivity providers and other players, including big tech, large content distribution platforms, and cloud services. Virkkunen explained that in consultations with stakeholders, there was widespread opposition to such tariffs. Overall, “cooperation works,” she said. In essence, without entering into direct conflict with the US administration, the Commission is not going beyond requesting greater cooperation from big tech, with a mechanism for resolving disputes over commercial agreements and the use of network infrastructure.