INTELLIGENT BRANDS // Cabling

Launched at the FTTH Council Europe ’ s Policy Dialogue event , the Copper Switch-Off Tracker has been created in co-operation with independent regulatory intelligence provider Cullen International to show the progress 27 EU member states ( and the United Kingdom ) are making toward adopting full-fibre broadband infrastructure .

While the report praises operators in Portugal , Spain and Sweden who have mostly discontinued their copper networks , the report also reveals that other member states , including Germany , Greece and Czech Republic , still rely heavily on old copper infrastructure .

“ We believe that fibre networks are fundamental to the Digital Transformation of Europe ,” said FTTH Council Europe President , Roshene McCool . “ Phasing out copper networks for fibre infrastructure will lower energy consumption and reduce overall operating costs , therefore making a great contribution to the achievement of the EU ’ s Digital Decade objectives .”

The tracker and report will become a vital evidence base for policymakers , regulators , operators and investors as they grapple with the policy and market implications of transitioning from copper to fibre . It also highlights that in only 12 countries do the incumbent operators have a plan for complete copper switch-off . In eight of these 12 countries the plans are publicly available , while in others ( e . g . Portugal ) the plan is confidential .

“ As European institutions shape their policy agenda for the 2024 – 2029 cycle , this new and comprehensive analysis will support the Digital Transformation of Europe ’ s economy and aid the development of an efficient and sustainable high-performance connectivity ecosystem ,” said Vincent Garnier , Director General at the FTTH Council Europe .

Following a presentation from the FTTH Council Europe on the Copper Switch-Off findings , a panel discussion from Kamila Kloc ( European Commission ), Konstantenos Masselos ( Hellenic Telecommunications & Post Commission ), Timm Degenhardt ( Omers Infrastructure ), Francesco Nonno ( Open Fiber Spa ), and Pascal Rogard ( Orange Group ) examined the broader political , economic , and technical implications of the Copper Switch-Off , especially within the context of recent political initiatives in Europe aimed at fostering sustainable infrastructure .

By providing regular updates , the Copper Switch-Off tracker will offer an up-to-date snapshot of the in-roads made by countries in their copper-to-fibre transition . The FTTH Council Europe is looking forward to monitoring this progression in aid of a future competitive European fibre market . p

58 INTELLIGENTCIO EUROPE www . intelligentcio . com