Full-fibre access as strategic infrastructure: strengthening public policy for Europe

Free perspective

The value of ubiquitous high-speed broadband connectivity has been demonstrated in numerous socioeconomic studies. Policy makers agree that there is a need for co-ordinated long-term investment to realise this potential. Most EU countries look set to miss European Commission (EC) targets for fibre access, and to lag behind most benchmark countries. Take-up of FTTP in Europe is now accelerating fast. Looking ahead, European countries need to accelerate the rate at which access networks are being upgraded.

Most EU countries look set to miss targets for fibre access. This report has been commissioned by Huawei to describe the current status of, and case for, extending coverage for full fibre in Europe, the challenges involved, international best practice, and the need for a coherent set of policies.