Report: The European Union will allow member states to postpone the shutdown of copper wire networks until 2035

According to informed sources, the European Commission will allow member states to postpone the shutdown of traditional copper wire telecom networks until 2035 (the initial discussion and expected timeline in the industry was 2030), aiming to provide more time for the industry to transition to faster fiber optic networks. This move will grant governments the discretion to set their own timelines for phasing out copper networks based on local market conditions, network readiness, and consumer impact. This adjustment appears in the latest draft of the Digital Networks Act. The act is a comprehensive update of EU telecom rules, and any final regulations will require approval from EU lawmakers and member states. (Bloomberg)