Overview
- The digital ministry opened consultation on Eckpunkte for area-based copper shutdowns, with first regions possible from 2028 and nationwide completion estimated between 2035 and 2040; submissions are due by November 14.
- Proposals would let the Bundesnetzagentur and fibre operators initiate switch-offs, set a time cap such as three years after FTTH coverage, and require a comprehensive migration plan from Deutsche Telekom.
- Minister Karsten Wildberger urges voluntary, affordable switching to avoid dual network costs and to lift low usage where fibre is already available.
- Vodafone and industry bodies including Breko and VATM welcomed the direction as supportive of investment and competition, while Telekom reacted cautiously and regulators flagged more work on the framework.
- Parallel to the policy push, Telekom is extending FTTH to about 126,700 homes and businesses in Berlin‑Mitte, and is backing MLAR changes to allow adhesive in‑building fibre systems promoted with Huawei.