This ‘long-form’ agreement builds on an MoU the four signed in July 2024
Proximus, Fiberklaar, Wyre bv and Telenet have signed long-form agreements to support deployment of high-speed gigabit networks across Flanders in Belgium. This is designed to acclerate coverage while reducing duplication of civil works. The agreement remains subject to regulatory approval.
The parties signed a Memorandum of Understanding on a possible collaboration in July 2024, with the objective of ensuring a faster and more efficient deployment of Gigabit networks for households and businesses.
The parties engaged in discussions to operationalise the collaboration working in parallel with the Belgian Competition Authority (BCA) and the Belgian Institute for Postal Services and Telecommunications (BIPT). This was to ensure the compliance with regulatory requirements and led to a public consultation on the proposed commitments to ensure fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory access to the parties’ network infrastructures.
As a next step and after further discussions with the BCA and the BIPT after closure of the public consultation, Proximus, Fiberklaar, Wyre and Telenet have now proceeded to sign full cooperation agreements, covering all aspects of the proposed collaboration. The implementation of these agreements remains subject to regulatory approval.
A crucial investment for the digital economy
Investment in future-proof digital infrastructure, with a focus on fiber technology, is critical to stimulate innovation and strengthen the economy. Under the proposed partnership:
- In areas with medium to low population density, Wyre and Fiberklaar would build fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) networks, with reciprocal access to that infrastructure for Proximus and Wyre as well as their respective wholesale customers.
- In the most sparsely populated areas, this fiber coverage would be supplemented by hybrid fiber-coax (HFC) technology, enabling gigabit speeds to be provided throughout Flanders.
- In large cities and the densest parts of the region, operators will continue to deploy their own networks separately.
This approach will result in a more efficient rollout, broader and quicker access to fiber and reduced construction works. The parties are also committed to providing access to their networks to all operators on fair, reasonable, and non-discriminatory terms.
Reaching this important milestone reflects the significant and sustained efforts of all parties, who have worked closely to develop a balanced and future-oriented cooperation framework in the long-term interest of consumers, businesses, and the Flemish digital economy.
The parties acknowledge the very significant resources mobilized by the BCA and the BIPT throughout the process leading to today’s agreement and reiterate their commitment to fully cooperate with the authorities towards the implementation of the agreement.
