Regulators: EU plan for copper-glass migration by 2030 is unrealistic
European regulatory authorities describe the EU Commission's goal of switching off copper networks by 2030 as "overambitious". Also because of Germany.
(Image: juerginho/Shutterstock.com)
Ten European countries – including eight EU states – currently expect to be able to switch off their copper networks by 2030. This is what the Body of European Regulators for Electronic Communications (Gerek) writes in its draft for a second progress report on copper-fiber migration published on Wednesday. In 14 countries, eleven of which belong to the EU, network operators with a significant market share have not yet announced any switch-off plans.
This does not bode well for the EU Commission's plan to achieve the switchover to fiber optics throughout the EU by 2030. The body, also known as Berec, describes this target, which is contained in the Brussels regulatory institution's White Paper on the development of Europe's digital infrastructure of tomorrow, as "overambitious". Such benchmarks are obviously also "not the most suitable instrument for dealing with the very different situations in the individual member states".
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The draft report, which can still be commented on until January 31, is based on a survey conducted in the spring in which 31 European regulatory authorities, including the responsible offices from the 27 EU member states such as the German Federal Network Agency, took part. According to the authors, the results point to "significant progress in the expansion and use of fiber optics at European level". In terms of migration and copper switch-off, the data indicated "some" improvements since 2022. The number of countries where national regulators have set targets for the transition process has increased significantly. The number of countries in which at least parts of the copper network are already history has also increased.
Liechtenstein: copper out still in 2024
Furthermore, almost half of the operators with significant market power have announced their intention to shut down their old network completely or in full. These include companies in Belgium, Denmark, Spain, France, Italy, Poland, Portugal and Sweden. However, most of them assume that this will not be possible until after 2030. In Germany, Deutsche Telekom, the top dog, has not yet given a relevant date. This also applies to the former monopolists in Austria, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Ireland, Lithuania, Latvia and Romania. According to the national regulator, Liechtenstein, a small non-EU country, is the furthest along, where the changeover should take place by the end of the year. In the EU, the authorities in Cyprus, Denmark, Spain, France, Luxembourg, Portugal and Sweden expect migration to take place by 2030.
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The main problem identified in the first shutdown measures implemented in Europe to date is the difficulty of avoiding forced migration, according to Gerek. In addition, there are challenges that arise during the changeover itself. So far, "a few percent of end users have been forced to switch off" in all pioneering countries, which has led to protests and postponements. A longer notice period and efficient communication, on the other hand, appear to have had a positive effect, according to the report. During the technical migration, problems such as interruptions to communication services only occurred in a few countries.
The most important measures taken by national regulators in the run-up to a copper switch-off were to inform affected households and to ensure the availability of appropriate alternative wholesale access products and associated access services for consumers at a "comparable" price. Gerek continues to believe that adequate protection of end users is generally necessary in relevant projects. The EU Council of Ministers has just indicated that the copper switch-off could at best take place gradually in order to support the gigabit expansion.
Anga: Germany at risk of slipping behind in terms of fast networks
In Germany, associations are demanding a plan from telecoms competitors for a "future-proof" and smooth transition. "Maximum transparency in Telekom's plans to switch off the copper network" is required. The Magenta Group itself recently warned that a "forced change of provider" was imminent if copper was switched off. The Federal Network Agency has promised to work with the Digital Ministry to develop a concept for the migration.
Philipp MĂĽller, Managing Director of the broadband association Anga, fears in view of the Gerek overview that Germany is in danger of "slipping more and more into the midfield when it comes to fast Internet". The reason: the switchover of Telekom's old copper networks is stalling. Germany is lagging behind Romania, Bulgaria and Serbia in terms of preparations. France, Spain and the Scandinavian countries "are far ahead of us". The clock is ticking "for the biggest telecommunications infrastructure project of this decade", MĂĽller warns. The Federal Network Agency must present its announced key issues paper as quickly as possible. There must be no further delays as a result of the traffic light being switched off.
(fds)
