The European Commission has proposed the renewed Digital Networks Act. This includes postponing the deadline for full European fiber optic coverage to 2035.
The European Commission has proposed the Digital Networks Act, a new legal framework to modernize and better align EU rules for telecom networks. It states that all EU member states must submit their plans by 2029 to realize the transition from copper networks to “advanced networks.” In 2024, the Gigabit Infrastructure Act was approved to accelerate the construction of fiber optics.
Fiber delay
The Commission states that copper networks do not align with the ambition for broad availability of advanced connectivity. Therefore, the proposal requires member states to draw up national transition pathways.
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These should organize the phasing out of copper and the transition to advanced networks between 2030 and 2035. Member states must submit their plans in 2029.
“However, exceptions are possible in areas where the construction of fiber optics is not economically feasible and no other adequate connectivity services are available,” said Henna Virkkunen, Executive Vice President.
One market for connectivity
With the Digital Networks Act, the Commission wants to strengthen the internal market for connectivity. Companies would be able to offer services in multiple member states with registration in one member state. The proposal also puts forward an EU level for spectrum authorization for pan-European satellite communication, instead of national permits.
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In addition, the Commission wants more consistency in national spectrum procedures. It proposes longer license periods and makes renewal “standard” to make investments more predictable. To limit unused frequencies, the Commission introduces the principle of “use it or share it.” This should promote spectrum sharing between operators. Furthermore, there will be a voluntary cooperation mechanism between network operators and other players, such as providers of content, applications, and cloud.