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 DNA’s focus on investment and competition, supporting regulatory stability through the SMP framework. We back a balanced copper switch-off protecting consumers, tailored access remedies reflecting national markets, and constructive engagement to accelerate fibre deployment, strengthen competition, and position FTTH as Europe’s strategic digital infrastructure.

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.

Policy & Regulation Committee Kicks Off 2026 with Strategic Advocacy on Digital Networks Act and Spectrum Allocation

Jan 23, 2026

Committee News | Policy & Regulation Committee |

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The Policy & Regulation Committee has appointed Christof Sommerberg as acting Chair, bringing extensive experience as Head of Public Affairs at Deutsche Glasfaser and four years as a Board member.

The Committee concluded 2025 with the release of its final recommendation on the 6 GHz band, advocating for full WiFi access, despite initial decisions not aligning with FTTH Council positions. The matter is now under the European Commission’s review, and the Committee continues its advocacy to ensure sufficient spectrum supports evolving fibre network speeds.

2026 begins with the European Commission’s Digital Network Act (DNA), aimed at resetting regulation for digital infrastructure, including fibre. The Committee welcomes the DNA’s focus on investment incentives and effective competition, supporting a balanced copper switch-off and nationally tailored access remedies to maintain regulatory stability and protect consumers. Elements like license-free spectrum for RLAN remain under discussion, and the Committee will engage with co-legislators to accelerate fibre deployment and strengthen competition.

Looking ahead, the Committee will host the FTTH Policy Dialogue on 24 February 2026 in Brussels, presenting the 2026 Copper Switch-off Tracker. This key tool enables policymakers and the industry to monitor progress, identify best practices, and guide future action on full-fibre adoption across Europe.

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