Poland a leader in fiber optics? We are above the EU average, but copper must disappear

As part of the reform of telecommunications law, the European Commission has proposed that within the next three years, EU countries should prepare to completely abandon copper cables in favor of optical fibers. He also wants operator licenses to be renewed by default.

The EC proposed a reform of telecommunications law. According to its proposal, the European Electronic Communications Code of 2018 will replace the Digital Networks Act (DNA). The new law, unlike the current directive, will take the form of a regulation. This means that countries will not have to implement EU rules into national law and the regulations will apply in the EU immediately after they enter into force.

Under the new law, all member states are to be obliged to move away from copper telecommunications cables to optical fibers. The EC wants all countries to prepare plans to abandon copper cables, which is to take place in the period from 2030 to 2035. The countries will present the documents in 2029.

As EC Vice-President for Digital Henna Virkkunen said at a press conference, in order to achieve better connectivity, the EU should aim to cover 100% of the population with fiber optic networks. area of ​​the Union.

– However, we realize that there are some specific areas where it is economically more difficult – she noted. She thus announced the possibility of exceptions.

According to Virkkunen presentthat seven Member States are behind schedule in implementing their fiber deployment plans set out in the Digital Decade 2025 document.

According to it, Poland is above the EU average, which is 69.2%. In 2024, the coverage of fiber optic networks in Poland was 77.8%.

As part of the reform of telecommunications law, the EC also proposed harmonizing the provisions on the allocation of radio spectrum. Currently, they vary greatly between member states in terms of the duration of licenses and the method of granting them.

The EC also proposed default renewal of licenses for operators, which will mean a de facto unlimited period of validity.

Contrary to the operators' expectations, the EC did not agree to allow large internet platforms such as Facebook, Amazon or Netflix, for which high-speed internet is crucial, to contribute financially to its development. Instead, it proposed a voluntary mechanism of cooperation between communication providers and content entities.

Virkkunen, however, stipulated that if large platforms do not decide to cooperate voluntarily, the EC will consider what to do next.

The final shape of the new telecommunications law will be adopted during the legislative process in which the member states of the EU Council and the European Parliament are involved.

– We will work on this in the European Parliament in the coming months – Polish 2050 MEP Michał Kobosko told PAP. In his opinion, this will be one of the most important regulations of the current term. – The smooth functioning of the European digital ecosystem is crucial for our competitiveness, sovereignty and security – he added.

From Brussels Magdalena Cedro (PAP)

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