European Commission approves discounts for FTTH connections
The European Commission has given the green light to a proposal aimed at reducing prices for households and businesses connecting to fiber-optic networks (FTTH). The proposal, put forward by the OTE Group and approved by the Commission, will see a system of mutual discounts of up to 28% between providers (OTE, Vodafone, and Nova) on wholesale prices, with volume commitments for connections.
Providers will be able to commit to volume targets among themselves for the connections, paving the way for lower prices and increased access to high-speed internet for consumers across Europe.
Collaboration Agreement for Fiber Optic Network Expansion
A new collaboration agreement has been reached between two major telecommunications providers to expand their fiber optic networks. This agreement will allow each provider to access the other’s network, depending on the areas covered by each with FTTH technology, ensuring significant discounts for both parties.
This open and available system will be offered to all providers in the market, or those planning to enter the market in the future, under the same terms. The agreement has the approval of Vodafone and is expected to be signed by Nova after some adjustments have been made.
The details of the agreement have been submitted to the EU by the National Telecommunications and Postal Commission, signaling a new era of collaboration and expansion in the telecommunications industry.
European Commission Approves Volume Discounts for FTTH Services in Greece
The European Commission has given the green light for volume discounts, recognizing that they could be a positive step towards faster development of FTTH services in Greece. This decision is part of the commitment to expanding high-speed internet access in the country. The proposal is expected to enhance digital infrastructure and connectivity, benefiting both consumers and businesses.
The EU also emphasized the importance of the Greek National Regulatory Authority closely monitoring the market and ongoing developments to ensure that fair competition is maintained. This move aims to promote innovation and investment in the telecommunications sector, ultimately leading to improved services for Greek citizens.
The Impact of Discount Schemes on Competition
It is crucial to ensure that the current discount scheme does not lead to distortions of competition. Utilizing regulatory tools in a timely and appropriate manner is essential for this purpose.
Retail Considerations
The discounts resulting from the agreement on wholesale prices are expected to trickle down to retail prices. This will encourage more consumers to connect to FTTH, increasing the penetration of the service and achieving the goals of the EU for the Digital Decade 2030.
The demand for optical fibers is expected to be further boosted by both subsidy initiatives.
Boosting Digital Connectivity in Greece
The Ministry of Digital Governance in Greece has allocated a budget of 200 million euros for the implementation of two voucher schemes aimed at improving digital connectivity in the country.
Smart Readiness Vouchers
With the Smart Readiness Vouchers, 120,000 buildings will be subsidized to upgrade to ultra-high speeds by installing optical fibers. This initiative is set to kick off in the Fall and will significantly enhance digital infrastructure across the nation.
Gigabit Voucher
Additionally, the Gigabit Voucher program will benefit 400,000 subscribers by providing connections with speeds exceeding 250 Mbps. This will allow more individuals and businesses to access high-speed internet, boosting productivity and innovation in Greece.
