The Diverse Situation of FTTH in Europe

The Diverse Situation of FTTH in Europe

FTTH deployment adoption in Europe has been on the rise since 2017 due to the fact that it is the most reliable form of connectivity in terms of durability and longevity. The evolution of fixed broadband technologies across Europe can be charted with the use of copper networks and cables, from HFC networks all the way to full fiber networks and fixed wireless access networks, with HFC and copper networks decreasing as the demand for fiber continues to increase.

“There’s still a long way to go, but the share of cable HFC network is slightly reducing,” said Vincent Garnier, Director General, FTTH Council Europe. “The share of copper networks is falling due to the rise of full fiber networks and, to a lesser extent, fixed wireless access.”

A survey conducted by FTTH Council Europe measured different types of data, including coverage and uptake. As of today, there is approximately 70% coverage, or homes passed, across Europe, but the study predicts that by 2029, coverage will be at 87%. To get to 70% coverage cost Europe roughly 115 billion Euros, with the vast majority of these funds coming from the private sector.

“The situation in Europe is extremely diverse,” noted Garnier. “Some countries are really well advanced, and they are at a similar level compared to the best in class… You talk about Spain, Portugal, some Baltic states, and even some countries like Romania or Bulgaria; they are in a very good situation. France has recently progressed tremendously, but countries like Germany, Belgium, the United Kingdom, and Italy are lagging behind, despite strong growth during the last years.”

Garnier said extending coverage in Europe is expected to cost billions more Euros to reach 90% or greater penetration by 2030 and will require substantially more public and private investment as fiber is extended beyond easy-to-reach urban centers into more rural areas of the continent. Estimates by Analysis Mason for ETNO, an industry association, run in the range of another 115 billion Euros to reach 91% coverage, and to reach 99% coverage will require almost another 60 billion more on top of it due to the economics of deploying in low-population areas.

The European Union has set a target to bring 1 Gbps connectivity to every single EU citizen by 2030, with fiber being the only media capable of providing such speeds at scale and relatively affordable.

For more on the current status of Fiber in Europe and around the globe, listen to the latest Fiber for Breakfast podcast.

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