European Telecoms Warn EU Against Fixed Network Deregulation Risks

A coalition of major European telecom operators, including Vodafone, Iliad, and 1&1, has strongly opposed the European Commission's proposals to relax regulation on wholesale fixed network services, warning that such deregulation would lead to re-monopolisation and stifle competition and investment in fibre-optic broadband. The companies argue that loosening access obligations for dominant operators—many of which are former state monopolies—would disadvantage smaller providers and hinder the rollout of next-generation networks, particularly during the ongoing transition from copper to fibre infrastructure. They emphasize that fixed network infrastructure remains a natural monopoly in many areas and that incumbent operators' nationwide coverage is essential to serving diverse urban and rural sites, making wholesale access a critical tool for maintaining market competition. The coalition views the Commission’s proposals as a regression that contradicts EU competition principles and risks undermining the bloc’s Digital Decade 2030 targets for digital infrastructure. The debate occurs amid broader efforts within EU member states, such as Germany’s recent legislation to accelerate fibre and mobile network expansion, highlighting the tension between encouraging investment incentives for incumbents and protecting competitive market access for smaller firms. These concerns are reflected across multiple industry statements, underscoring significant resistance to the proposed regulatory changes.