The time has come: from November 2024, Belgian consumers will be able to choose their own modems and routers for broadband and Internet telephony. This means that Internet users will no longer be obliged to purchase the modem/router from their operator when taking out their Internet subscription.
The Belgian Institute of Postal Services and Telecommunications(BIPT) had announced this in October 2023, setting the network termination point (NTP) for fixed networks. The decision marks an important milestone for the telecommunications sector and promises a strong push for more secure Internet access, sustainability and innovation.
European Directive 2018/1972 on the European Electronic Communications Code gives national regulatory authorities the power to determine the location of the NTP. BIPT’s decision is clear: the provider’s network ends at the wall socket (Chart A vs. Chart B). For copper networks and fiber optic connections, the network termination point is the wall outlet to which the modem is connected. For a coaxial connection, it is the black network distributor to which the modem connects.
In doing so, Belgium is following the example of several other EU member states. In Europe, some 10 countries, including the Netherlands (2022), Finland (2014), Germany (2016) and Italy (2018), have already implemented free modem choice.
What does free modem choice mean in practice?
- Free choice: Consumers and business customers can now choose end devices that better suit their needs, such as more powerful devices or with better cybersecurity.
- Sustainability and cost efficiency: Consumers and businesses no longer need to place their device behind the provider’s modem, which means only one device consumes power. With energy-efficient devices, this consumption can decrease further. In addition, devices can continue to operate as usual when switching providers, saving costs and reducing electronic waste.
- Security and Data Protection: Users and businesses gain more control over the security and privacy settings of their own devices. They can choose which updates and settings to apply, strengthening their digital autonomy.
- Innovation: Liberalization creates more competition among manufacturers, which stimulates innovation. Users benefit from a wider range of advanced devices that utilize the latest technologies and better suit their needs.
This important step shows that strengthening consumer rights and promoting a competitive marketplace go well together. The Alliance of Telecommunications Terminal Equipment Manufacturers (VTKE) underscores this in a recent press release.
This is a supplied contribution from Martin Krebs, Vice President of Routers & Gateways at LANCOM Systems. The editors are not responsible for the content. For more information about Lancom Systems’ services, please visit here.