Aphaia’s Managing Partner Cristina Contero Almagro offered a presentation about the new Gigabit Infrastructure Act at the 12th International Workshop on Fiber Optics in Access Networks (FOAN), which took place in Athens on 29 and 30 October.
The new Gigabit Infrastructure Act (GIA) entered into force in May 2024 and will be applicable in November 2025. GIA replaces the 2014 Broadband Cost Reduction Directive (BCRD), with the goal of accelerating the deployment of Very High Capacity Networks (VHCNs) across Europe. Aphaia was given the chance to present the main requirements of GIA at FOAN 2024 and discuss with the attendants some insights and dilemmas of this new regulation.
Agenda and participants
FOAN 2024 took place in Athens, Greece, on October 29-30, 2024. This annual event gathers leading researchers, engineers, and industry professionals from across the globe to explore the latest innovations in fiber optic technologies. FOAN 2024 focused on delivering insights and developments for residential and business end-user connectivity, with particular attention to advancements that drive fiber optic applications in access networks.
This year’s edition covered a range of high-interest topics, including emerging standards in Passive Optical Networks (PON), integration of 5G networks with fiber, and fiber optic sensor technologies. Sessions also tackled the coexistence of diverse PON systems, the potential of photonic integrated circuits, and new solutions for low-latency, high-capacity access networks.
FOAN 2024 attracted a diverse group of participants, with representatives from academia, industry, and major telecommunications operators. Experts from multiple countries from Europe and also USA, Japan or Armenia, among many others, shared their research, fostering a dynamic exchange of ideas. This collaborative environment enabled professionals and academics to connect and explore strategic approaches to advancing fiber optic network capabilities in global digital infrastructure.
Aphaia’s presentation
This year Aphaia’s Managing Partner Cristina Contero Almagro offered a presentation about the GIA and the new requirements introduced in relation to the previous BCRD. Whereas both laws focus on dealing with the high cost of deploying VHCNs across Europe and the complex and lengthy procedures to obtain permits, the BCRD gave rise to some challenges that required attention, in particular the inconsistent application of the law by Member States as a result of the existence of multiple exemptions and optional measures, the unclear definition of “fair and reasonable” terms and conditions and the need for involvement of several authorities concerning permits and rights of way.
When it comes to the main differences between the GIA and the BCRD, it is important to note that unlike BCRD as a Directive, the GIA is directly applicable as an EU Regulation, so rights and obligations of undertakings and public bodies are based directly on EU rules. Other relevant points include the extension of the scope, covering now new legal persons who are primarily active as tenants of land, or as holders of rights over land other than property rights, the further clarification of the elements defining “reasonable terms and conditions” or the delimitation of new deadlines for the decisions to be issued by the competent authorities, among other aspects.
The GIA also intends to help achieve the 2030 Digital Decade target on connectivity of providing 1 gigabit speed fixed coverage for all households and implementing 5G in all populated areas and reducing the environmental footprint of electronic communications networks by promoting the deployment of more environmentally efficient technologies and the re-use of existing physical infrastructure.
FOAN 2024 was the 12th edition, after the successful ones in Moscow (2010), Budapest (2011), St. Petersburg (2012), Almaty (2013), Brno (2015), Lisbon (2016), Munich (2017), Sarajevo (2019), Ljubljana (2021), Valencia (2022) and Ghent (2023).
Aphaia is thrilled and very grateful to have been invited once again to FOAN. Being part of this event allowed us to learn from leading experts and engage in enriching discussions about the future of fiber optics and high-speed networks. Spending these two days with incredible professionals and friends was such a great experience. We look forward to continuing this journey next year!
