UK-based mobile operator Vodafone has broadly welcomed preliminary plans to force down access prices for European copper networks to boost investments in fibre.
Neelie Kroes, the European Commissioner for the EU’s Digital Agenda, launched a…
UK-based mobile operator Vodafone has broadly welcomed preliminary plans to force down access prices for European copper networks to boost investments in fibre.
Neelie Kroes, the European Commissioner for the EU’s Digital Agenda, launched a consultation on 3 October to explore ways to accelerate the deployment of fibre in Europe.
Addressing a conference in Brussels, Kroes said one of the available measures is to increase regulation for incumbents with copper networks.
A spokesman for Vodafone told TelecomFinance: “We welcome the Commission’s proposals, which closely match our thinking.
“They are right to say that any surplus earned from copper can only be justified if it is then invested in fibre. The form of that investment also matters – we think it should be part of a co-investment and not used to create a monopoly. We will continue to work with the Commission and with other players to help move Europe forward.
However, network owners have been quick to criticise the plan, with Cesar Alierta, CEO of Spanish incumbent Telefonica, warning it would “jeopardize the objectives of the Digital Agenda”.
Alierta said: “The industry doesn’t need more uncertainty. We need a framework that is predictable and stable.”
