Publication of the 2nd Report on Copper Network Switch-off
ZAGREB, 26 February 2026 - FTTH Council Europe published its Copper Switch-off Tracker on 24 February 2026. Prepared in collaboration with Cullen International, the report provides a comprehensive analysis of the current status and progress towards decommissioning existing copper networks. It includes information on planned switch-offs, expected timelines for full migration to fibre-optic networks, and the current stage of implementation. The analysis covers European Union member states, the United Kingdom, Norway, and Switzerland.
In 2025, significant progress was made in the transition from copper to fibre-optic networks. Across Europe, the share of fibre in active access lines of legacy operators increased by nine percentage points, rising from 53% to 62%. However, progress remains highly uneven: some countries provide limited or no data on the process. Norway and Spain are the most advanced, having completed their copper network switch-offs, with legacy operators fully deactivating copper infrastructure. In contrast, in Germany and the Czech Republic, legacy operators continue to rely heavily on copper, with no switch-off plans in place. No data are available for Austria, Slovakia, Slovenia, or Switzerland regarding plans, process stage, anticipated switch-off dates, or the share of fibre in active access lines.
In Croatia, 2025 saw an increase in active fibre lines in line with the European average. Since there is currently no plan to decommission the copper network owned by Hrvatski Telekom d.d., the report does not provide data on the process stage or target switch-off date for Croatia. Nevertheless, quarterly market indicators monitored by HAKOM, such as the number of users on different types of infrastructure, suggest that the copper network switch-off process in Croatia has effectively begun.
In line with its annual work programme, HAKOM plans to issue guidance in 2026 on managing announcements of copper network decommissioning. The objective is to ensure predictable, transparent, and balanced regulatory treatment for both operators and end users.
In early 2026, HAKOM will launch a public consultation to gather input and experiences from market stakeholders on key issues relevant to the development of this guidance. Completion of the guidance is expected by the end of the year.
The report also considers the proposed new regulatory framework, the Digital Networks Act (DNA), particularly regarding copper network switch-offs. If adopted, the DNA would significantly reshape the regulatory landscape, potentially accelerating copper network decommissioning in multiple countries and offering greater flexibility and incentives for operators to fully transition to fibre-based networks.
The full report is available via the provided link.
For additional information please contact:
Croatian Regulatory Authority for Network Industries (HAKOM)
- Roberta Frangeša-Mihanovića 9 Street
- 10110 Zagreb, Croatia
- Tel. + 385 (0) 1 700 70 07
- Fax + 385 (0)1 700 70 70
Media inquiries can be submitted online using HAKOM’s official website: www.hakom.hr
About Hakom
HAKOM - Croatian Regulatory Authority for Network Industries – ensures preconditions for a fair market competition, stable growth and environment for innovations in the electronic communications and postal services market. HAKOM protects users’ interests and the possibility of choice among various communications and postal services at affordable prices, defines sustainable competitive conditions for operators and service providers under fair conditions for return on investment, and provides support to economic growth, public services and the quality of life in the Republic of Croatia by using modern technologies. HAKOM’ strategic goals are: to promote regulation of the electronic communications and postal services market, to support growth of investments and innovations in the electronic communications and postal services market, to provide efficient use of limited resources, to accelerate the growth of broadband products and services, to provide affordable offers of communications and postal services, to provide protection and informing of users, to build an efficient and comprehensive information system, to define and implement efficient processes, and to acquire multi-disciplinary expertise in market regulation.