Fixed Network Evolution
The European Electronic Communications Code has, amongst others, the general objective to promote the deployment and take-up of Very High Capacity Networks (VHCNs). These networks have enormous potential to deliver benefits to consumers and businesses across the European Union (EU). The projects of the Body of European Regulators for Electronic Communications (BEREC) Fixed Network Evolution Working Group (FNE WG) typically contribute to this objective. The area of expertise of the FNE WG is the continuous evolution of fixed electronic communications networks which include, for example, the rollout of fibre closer and closer to the consumers, the deployment of new access technologies, migration of customers to those new networks and the related switch-off of legacy networks, state aid for broadband networks and the facilitation of networks deployment under the Gigabit Infrastructure Act (GIA).
Working Group Co-chairs
Work in 2026
In 2026, the FNE WG will continue working on related topics based on the BEREC Work Programme 2026.
External Workshop on migration and copper switch-off in light of the DNA
How to manage switch-off and migration from copper to fibre networks will be key for Europe to achieve its 2030 connectivity targets. Migration to VHCN and copper switch-off is an ongoing strong focus of BEREC in recent years. While some Member States have already (almost) completed the migration of to VHCN, others are still in the early stages of the process.
Following the BEREC Progress Report on managing copper switch-off, which was published in June 2025, BEREC will continue to work on this subject, to ensure competitive dynamics are maintained during the switch-off and migration processes. The planned workshop can be an opportunity for national regulatory authorities to share best practices and for stakeholders to present their views on how the process should be organised. The workshop may also serve as a platform for discussing potential improvements to the current legislative and regulatory approaches.
BEREC contribution to European Commission Guidelines on Access to existing physical infrastructure according to Art. 3 (13) of the Gigabit Infrastructure Act
The GIA aims to facilitate and stimulate the roll-out of VHCNs, enabling them to be deployed faster and at lower cost. Article 3 (13) stipulates that the European Commission (EC), in close cooperation with BEREC, may provide guidance on the application of Article 3 of the GIA.
BEREC will closely cooperate with the EC on the development of Guidelines. The timing and scope of BEREC’s work will depend on the EC’s needs.
Why is this important?
BEREC is committed to supporting the ambitious EU connectivity targets for 2030, set out in the Digital Decade Policy Program. Achieving these targets will require the speeding up of VHCN deployment across Member States. The GIA serves as one important instrument to achieve these targets as it aims to roll out VHCNs faster and at lower cost. The EC State aid Guidelines for broadband networks, also analysed by the FNE WG, are another instrument to achieve the EU connectivity targets for 2030, as in certain areas the roll out of VHCNs may need public funds. VHCNs strengthen the international competitiveness of the EU, support innovation in content-rich internet services and have enormous potential to deliver benefits to consumers and businesses. Finally, rules related to migration and copper switch-off can at the same time facilitate the uptake of VHCN and thereby enable customers to utilize advanced services and ensure a pro-competitive market development.