The Belgian Competition Authority (BCA) has approved a cooperation agreement between Fiberklaar, a network infrastructure company affiliated with mobile digital communications company Proximus, and Wyre, a Belgian telecommunications infrastructure company which is a joint venture established in July 2023 by Telenet Group, a cable broadband service provider, to coordinate the rollout of fiber networks in suburban areas of Flanders.
According to a press release, the agreement commits the companies to making fiber available to more than two million homes and businesses, with most connections expected by 2029, and the remainder by 2037. The agreement does not cover densely populated urban areas, where Proximus, Fiberklaar and Wyre will continue deploying their networks independently.
In rural areas, Wyre will upgrade its hybrid fiber-coaxial (HFC) network to support multigigabit speeds, while Proximus will progressively migrate customers to the upgraded network. Other operators will also be able to provide services over the network.
Stijn Bijnens, CEO, Proximus Group, said, “With this approval, a new phase begins for the digital future of Flanders. Thanks to this collaboration, we will reach more households and businesses with ultra-fast fiber, while simultaneously limiting the impact of construction works in cities and municipalities. In this way, we create a strong digital backbone that supports innovation, economic growth and social progress.”
Micha Berger, CEO, Wyre said, “By intelligently combining fiber and our upgraded HFC network, we can provide more households and businesses with access to connectivity of up to 10 Gbps more quickly. We are building open networks on which multiple operators can offer their services, giving consumers and businesses across a large part of Flanders greater freedom of choice. In this way, we are creating a future-proof digital infrastructure with maximum impact for customers, while minimizing the disruption caused by the rollout”.
John Porter, Board Chairman, Wyre, said, “This is a landmark moment for customers across Flanders. By joining forces, we can bring next-generation connectivity to more homes and businesses faster, while reducing disruption for local communities. It means more people will be able to enjoy the benefits of ultra-fast, reliable connectivity sooner. We are excited to take this important step forward and help build the digital infrastructure that will power Flanders for decades to come”.
The partnership covers suburban areas where fiber has yet to be deployed. Fiberklaar or Wyre will build the network in each area while granting the other access to its infrastructure. Other telecommunications providers will also be able to offer services over the networks.
Implementation of the agreement is expected to begin immediately, with construction plans adjusted where necessary and new permit applications submitted in the coming weeks and months. Fiberklaar and Wyre also plan to launch an information campaign for cities and municipalities. The agreement includes commitments governing the cooperation and network access, which will be monitored by the Belgian Institute for Postal Services and Telecommunications (BIPT).