FTTH conference details costs of fibre-based Gigabit Society
Created February 20, 2017
News and BusinessAnnual conference in Marseille hears necessary investment will be “significant but achievable”. Pictured left: Ronan Kelly and Erzsebet Fitori.
At the FTTH Conference, Marseille (16-18 February 2017), the FTTH Council Europe made public the first results of its updated study into the cost of deploying FTTH throughout the EU. The Council’s research shows that the outstanding costs of full fibre coverage in the EU are €156 billion as input to the ongoing legislative debate on the proposal for a European Electronic Communications Code.
The cost model calculated the complete overlay of the EU28 countries with fibre (Fibre to the Home) including 100% homes passed and 50% connected. The €156 billion cost accounts for the existing fibre coverage and connections. The re-use of existing infrastructure and effective implementation of the Cost Reduction Directive can lead to further 12% cost savings and could further bring down these costs to €137 billion: the 12% cost reduction can be achieved by reusing existing infrastructure, more co-ordination and sharing of civil works and the re-use of in-building infrastructure.
‘Transparent and realistic discussion’
The Council commented, “We call for a transparent and realistic discussion on the costs and the definition of technology neutrality so that the co-legislators, end-users and investors can make well informed decisions knowing the real costs of a fibre based Gigabit Society.”
Erzsebet Fitori, Director General of the FTTH Council Europe, said, “These cost estimates show that fibre requires considerable investment but is doable throughout Europe. In this context we should be careful not to misinterpret technology neutrality turning a blind eye on what different technologies can deliver. Europe needs fibre-based, very high capacity networks to meet the needs of a digital economy and society.”
Ronan Kelly, President of the FTTH Council Europe, added, “Fibre-based infrastructure is the only future-proof foundation enabling fixed and wireless Gigabit networks as well as all new innovative digital technologies and services and the prerequisite for Europe’s global digital competitiveness and sustainability. Our vision is that fibre connectivity will transform and enhance the way we live, do business and interact, connecting everyone and everything, everywhere.”
The FTTH Council study results were presented and discussed at the FTTH Conference in Marseille, France, 14-16 February 2017. More information at www.ftthconference.eu
