Fibre Technology News
All the latest fibre (FTTC/FTTP) technology insight, news and analysis involving BT, Deutsche Telekom, Telefónica and Vodafone.
People
Openreach names new fibre delivery guy
Change at top of Fibre & Network Delivery unit as Matthew Hemmings comes in for Kevin Murphy. Internal hire sees Hemmings take lead of team focused on expanding Openreach’s UK‑wide fibre network.
Profile
CEO Lutz Schüler relishes challenger role at VM O2
After Virgin Media O2’s first 100 days, Schüler is raring to go head‑to‑head with BT on full fibre, wholesale, and B2B. Reportedly in talks with Sky on fibre investment. Determined merger integration won’t slow VM O2 down. Big believer in “data and digital” for delivering what customers want; hints ...
M&A
Telefónica mulling Spanish infra stake sale?
Rumours circulate that Group is discussing fibre monetisation in Spain. Between five and ten funding vehicles reportedly put hats in the ring, as Group sounds out market interest. Sale speculation comes despite Telefónica classing its Spanish fibre infrastructure as a “strategic asset”.
Public Affairs
Openreach gets Ofcom green light for new FTTP pricing
Cheaper “Equinox” wholesale pricing offer to start on 1 October. Ofcom confirms no action needed on Openreach offer. Fibre altnets strongly opposed and considering next steps.
Suppliers & SCM
ST picks Ekinops for network access upgrade
France‑based supplier has previously worked with T‑Mobile Czech Republic.
Public Affairs
Telekom Deutschland’s regional fibre JV rocked by court ruling
Düsseldorf court backs claims by Vodafone and rival altnet that Deutsche Glasfaser is “hindering competition” in FTTP space. 2019 regulatory clearance overturned. Operations progressing as normal, however.
Innovation (R&D)
BT likes NANF hollow core fibre, but work still to do
Senior BT researchers optimistic about multiple use-cases for Lumenisity’s hollow fibre, but commercial timeframes unclear. “Reams and reams of data” still need to be pored over as part of due diligence process. BT confident, however, that Lumenisity has reached the point of producing “duct‑deployable” HCF cable.
Network & Infrastructure
Vodafone Turkey CEO signals support for three‑way FibreCo
Turkey’s President is said to be in favour of a joint infrastructure company. Recently appointed Vodafone Turkey CEO appears keen too, as part of new 2025 growth strategy.
Network & Infrastructure
BT’s Watson highlights fibre’s central place in network ‘jigsaw’
CTO plays down fixed wireless’s role in meeting UK’s connectivity challenge. CityFibre and Hyperoptic welcome Ofcom’s WFTMR, but want Openreach to remain under strict scrutiny. Virgin Media O2 something of an elephant in the room as altnets pitch themselves as more agile rivals.
Network & Infrastructure
DT looks to the future with German ‘fiberisation’
Group’s Dido Blankenburg sees connecting homes as the next big debate. BNetzA highlights need for lighter fibre regulation and cooperation among market players.
Strategy & Change
Elsewhere in Telekom Deutschland: “long-term” Sky partnership
Management refresh at congstar; Sky and TDE build up partnership; operator shops at Aldi for home tie‑up.