BEREC Workshop on the competitive effects of strategic fibre networks deployment, including in the context of copper switch-off

BEREC is organising a workshop on the competitive effects of strategic fibre networks deployment, including in the context of copper switch-off on Thursday, 26 June 2025, at the IRG Secretariat in Brussels, Belgium, and online.

Background

In the context in which fast and comprehensive fibre rollout is seen as of utmost importance for the European economy, with a notable variation of FTTP coverage in the different countries on the continent, BEREC is planning to address issues related to the viability of deployment of multiple parallel fibre networks in any given area from the standpoint of competition.

Aim

While acknowledging the direct dependence of the networks rollout on the characteristics of the zone under consideration (geography, density of population, type of dwelling units present, ducts availability, population income, market structure, the existence of commercially negotiated wholesale agreements, regulation in place etc.), BEREC plans to focus this activity on capturing the interactions between operators investing (individually or collectively) in fibre rollout, as well as its impact on the competition dynamics.

For the purpose of this workshop, “strategic fibre network deployment” is the conduct of an operator in the market that results in perceived anticompetitive behaviours (more information on this aspect will be included in the agenda). In that vein, BEREC also seeks stakeholders’ views on what could be the regulatory response to impediments to competition resulting from this interplay.

The agenda, as well as information about the speakers, will be published once the specific interests of NRAs and stakeholders are clearly established and the participation of the invited speakers confirmed.

Registration

The meeting is organised in a hybrid format with physical presence at the IRG premises in Brussels and the opportunity for remote participation. Seats for physical participation will be primarily reserved for the workshop speakers and BEREC members. We then expect that we will be able to grant one seat per interested association.

At this stage, BEREC highly encourages interested stakeholders to register and state their preference to participate in person in the registration form below before the 18 June 2025. By 20 June, you will be informed about the seat availability.

If you wish to participate remotely, you are invited to register by completing the registration form below before 23 June 2025.

The connection details will be shared with all registered participants ahead of the workshop.

Contact

In case of questions related to organisational matters, please direct them to the following email address: [email protected]

BEREC's work related to market and economic analysis

The Market and Economic Analysis Working Group examines issues related to market reviews, such as market definition, assessment of market power and, more generally, market developments with significant impact on competition. Overall, the work aims to fulfil BEREC’s goal of fostering independent, consistent and high-quality regulation of electronic communications networks and services for the benefit of European citizens.

Read more about the group: BEREC Market and Economic Analysis Working Group.