Proximus, Fiberklaar, Telenet and Wyre join forces to expand and accelerate the roll-out of fiber networks in Flanders
The Belgian Competition Authority has approved the proposed cooperation between Fiberklaar, a Proximus affiliate, and Wyre, Telenet's network builder, on multigigabit networks in Flanders. This decision means that Fiberklaar and Wyre can now implement a unique collaboration aimed at bringing ultra-fast internet to large suburban areas of Flanders: each partner will be responsible for the rollout of fiber in specific designated areas while other interested providers will have the possibility of using the network deployed in those areas to offer their own services. This will drive a faster fiber rollout to more homes and businesses. In addition, customers will get to enjoy a technology that is up to ten times faster than today's, while disruption caused by construction works will be significantly reduced. Where relevant, Fiberklaar and Wyre will adapt planned works and permit applications to reflect the new partnership and launch a large-scale information campaign for cities and municipalities.
Green light for collaboration
Today, Proximus, Fiberklaar, Telenet group and Wyre received the green light from the Belgian Competition Authority (BCA) to effectively join forces to accelerate the rollout of fiber networks in large suburban areas of Flanders. The parties have committed to more than two million fiber-connectable homes and businesses, with a majority by 2029 and the remainder by 2037.
Proximus, Fiberklaar, Telenet and Wyre acknowledge the very significant resources mobilized by the BCA and the BIPT throughout the process of assessing the merits of their proposed cooperation, and the important role they have played in enabling them to reach an agreement on the terms of their partnership. They remain committed to cooperate fully with the authorities throughout the implementation of the commitments made binding by the BCA to secure the approval of their cooperation, as monitored by the BIPT.
One fiber network builder per area, with access for other interested providers
In many suburban areas of Flanders that are yet to welcome ultra-fast fiber, either Fiberklaar or Wyre will now be responsible for the rollout of fiber and will give the other partner access to its network.
This collaboration increases efficiency, with fiber installation works carried out by either party under this cooperation project. As a result, more homes and businesses across Flanders will gain access to fiber and will benefit from it sooner, while disruption caused by construction works will be reduced.
And not only Proximus and Telenet, but also other interested providers will have the possibility to connect customers on the Fiberklaar and Wyre networks.
Multigigabit connectivity everywhere
The cooperation between Fiberklaar and Wyre to expand and accelerate the rollout of fiber networks concerns the suburban areas of Flanders, characterized by intermediate levels of population density.
The most densely populated areas, where the fiber networks are already well advanced, fall outside of the scope of the cooperation. In these urban centers, Proximus, Fiberklaar, and Wyre will continue their rollout efforts independently and their respective networks will coexist.
In the rural areas characterized by low levels of population density, Wyre's existing HFC (Hybrid Fiber Coax) network will be upgraded to deliver higher speeds and multigigabit connectivity and Proximus will progressively migrate customers on the Wyre HFC network. Similarly, other operators will also have the possibility to offer their services over this network.
Through this approach, households and businesses in Flanders will benefit from internet speeds up to ten times higher than today.
The commitments entered into by Proximus, Fiberklaar, Telenet and Wyre towards the BCA provide for clear rules governing both the terms of their cooperation and conditions for accessing their respective networks, thereby providing a stable long-term framework for all stakeholders.
Information campaign on the collaboration
Proximus, Fiberklaar, Telenet and Wyre intend to move forward without delay. Where relevant, construction works will be adapted to reflect the implementation of their cooperation following the Belgian Competition Authority's approval. New permit applications will also be submitted in the coming weeks and months to reflect the terms of their partnership.
To ensure all relevant stakeholders are properly informed about the scope and implementation of that partnership, Fiberklaar and Wyre will soon be launching an information campaign focused on cities and municipalities.
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.
