Connecting less densely populated areas

We continue to allocate more resources to offer high-speed Internet (speed above 30 Mbps) each and every day, even in those rural areas – so-called “white zones” – where the Internet speed currently lies below 30 Mbps. By combining fiber with other innovative technologies, Proximus wants to provide all Belgians with optimal access to digital services.

To this end, we are trying out various techniques in rural areas where traditional cable laying is too expensive or not an option whatsoever, such as aerial fiber installation.

In the case of aerial fiber installation, the fiber is laid on the poles of electricity suppliers, which reduces costs in comparison to cables being run through conventional trenches. In 2023, we signed an agreement with energy operator RESA. This complements the partnership we have already had in place since 2022 with ORES, a large electricity and gas distributor in Wallonia. We also initiated a proof-of-concept project in Flanders using the electric poles of Fluvius.