The Gigabit Infrastructure Act (GIA) was recently approved by the European Parliament and Council, replacing Directive 2014/61/EU. This new regulation aims to promote the rollout of very high capacity networks (VHCNs) by encouraging the joint use of existing physical infrastructure and facilitating the deployment of new infrastructure to make networks available faster and at a lower cost. The GIA is set to be fully applicable by November 12, 2025, with all articles in force by May 12, 2026.
One key aspect of the GIA is the requirement for network operators to provide access to their physical infrastructure, such as ducts, pipes, towers, and rooftops, for the deployment of VHCNs like fiber and 5G. This measure allows operators to reuse existing infrastructure and spaces, ultimately reducing deployment costs. Additionally, the GIA introduces access obligations for public sector bodies and private commercial buildings, ensuring fair market prices for access to infrastructure.
The GIA also simplifies the coordination of civil works between public sector bodies and operators, streamlining the deployment of VHCN services. Furthermore, the regulation aims to promote innovation by mandating that new buildings or those undergoing major renovations be pre-equipped with fiber-ready infrastructure. This will help ensure that buildings are ready for high-speed connectivity, supporting the rollout of VHCNs.
In addition to the GIA, the Gigabit Recommendation provides guidelines for national regulatory authorities on designing access remedy obligations for operators with significant market power (SMP). These guidelines aim to promote fair competition while facilitating the transition from copper to fiber networks. NRAs are required to ensure that SMP operators offer wholesale inputs on an equivalent basis and provide access to civil-engineering infrastructure where necessary to address competition issues.
The Commission’s white paper on the future of connectivity highlights challenges in the digital infrastructure sector, such as the need for scale to meet investment needs and the lack of a true single market. Policy options proposed in the white paper include harmonization on spectrum, potential deregulation of the SMP model, and the introduction of a country of origin principle for authorizations.
Overall, the GIA and related recommendations signal a shift towards more efficient and innovative regulations in the telecom sector, aiming to promote the rapid deployment of high-capacity networks across the EU. The full implementation of these measures is expected to bring significant benefits in terms of connectivity, competition, and innovation in the digital landscape.