On the benefits of open access FTTH networks

Summary form only given. In this presentation, we argue that the Next Generation FTTH networks market have the characteristics of a natural monopoly and therefore it would be extremely difficult in most cases to support facilities-based competition among network operators that deploy access networks with a large (i.e. nation-wide) and/or overlapping (i.e. in the same deployment area) footprint, without some form of state-aid/subsidization/intervention. Based on such arguments, we consequently discuss the benefits that open access FTTH networks have for the society/customers and for the services providers, while on the basis of a techno-economic study we also quantify the improvements in the pay-back period of network co-investments assuming different types of open access network business models.