Press Release:
Berlin, 19th March 2024 – The FTTH Conference 2024 is taking place in Berlin from March 19 to 21, marking a pivotal moment for Europe's digital future. The FTTH Conference stands as Europe's leading fibre optic summit, merging technology, policy, and finance, accompanied by an exhibition showcasing technological advancements. Anticipated to draw over 3,000 attendees, the event will gather senior figures including CEOs, CXOs, and top experts from the telecoms and digital sectors, alongside influential policymakers from the European Institutions, Member States, and NRAs, as well as investors and financial analysts.
Beyond FTTH technology, market and industry trends, the Conference promises to be a focal point for high-level discussions on crucial policy topics. This year the Conference takes place against the backdrop of forthcoming European elections in June 2024 and the recent publication of the European Commission's White Paper on "How to master Europe’s digital infrastructure needs?"
Distinguished keynote speakers including Roberto Viola, Director General of the European Commission's DG CNECT; Volker Wissing, Minister for Digital and Transport of the Federal Government of Germany; and Teresa Czerwińska, Vice-President of the European Investment Bank, will lead conversations addressing vital aspects of digital connectivity and infrastructure development.
"We are thrilled to host the FTTH Conference 2024 in Berlin, especially at such a critical juncture," said Raf Meersman, President of the FTTH Council Europe. "As Europe considers how to address the pressing need to bolster its digital infrastructure, this conference serves as a timely platform to explore strategies and initiatives that will pave the way for a digitally empowered future."
The Conference's timing coincides with the 20th anniversary of the FTTH Council Europe, underscoring the enduring relevance of its mission amid efforts to achieve the ambitious Digital Decade Targets by 2030. With a steadfast commitment to achieving ubiquitous full-fibre connectivity to the whole of Europe, the FTTH Council Europe emphasises that fibre networks will be crucial in achieving gigabit connectivity for everyone.
One of the key political themes to be addressed during the Conference include the importance of a regulatory framework protecting incentives to investment in infrastructure. A regulatory environment promoting effective competition – both existing and prospective – is key to secure widespread availability and adoption of VHCN based services.
Another key topic will be the imperative of sustainability in shaping future policy objectives. Transparency efforts can indeed be the basis to create incentives to attract investments in the electronic communications sector to make ICT greener and have it enable the greening of other sectors. The FTTH Council Europe welcomes the Commission’s proposal to engage with the industry to further improve the usability and potential scope of the EU Taxonomy for green investment in electronic communications networks ensuring it is based on robust and credible science-based metrics.
FTTH Council Europe warmly welcomes the Commission’s proposals around copper switch-off. The FTTH Council Europe advocates for copper switch-off to accelerate the transition to fibre networks for economic as well as environmental reasons. The FTTH Council agrees that setting a date for switch-off with a clear path towards migration would send a strong signal to the sector. Not only does a definite copper switch-off date create certainty for investors and incentives for investment, it is also important in the context of service development as well as critical for the green transition.
The FTTH Conference 2024 promises to be a forum for vibrant dialogue and innovative approaches concerning FTTH technology, market dynamics, industry trends, and pertinent policy and regulatory discussions. You can access the full Conference programme here.
About Us
The FTTH Council Europe is an industry organisation with a mission to advance ubiquitous full fibre-based connectivity to the whole of Europe.
Our vision is that fibre connectivity will transform and enhance the way we live, do business and interact, connecting everyone and everything, everywhere. Fibre is the future-proof, climate-friendly infrastructure which is a crucial prerequisite for safeguarding Europe’s global competitiveness while playing a leading global role in sustainability.
The FTTH Council Europe consists of more than 160 member companies.
