Telecoms groups launch DNA Europe to press for copper switch-off rules
October 13, 2026 12.15 Europe/London By Julian Clover


Six European and national industry organisations have launched DNA Europe, a coalition calling for a mandatory, rules-based transition from copper to fibre alongside measures to safeguard competition.

The alliance brings together ANGA, BREKO, ecta, Fibre Council Europe, the Swedish Local Fibre Alliance and VATM. It aims to influence the European Union’s Digital Networks Act, arguing that predictable migration rules are needed to give operators confidence to invest.

DNA Europe has identified two priorities: a transparent pathway from copper to fibre and a regulatory framework that allows national regulators to impose market-specific, proportionate remedies on operators with significant market power.

The coalition says regulators should retain their full range of tools and sufficient flexibility to prevent anti-competitive behaviour, protect customer choice and support investment by all market participants.

BREKO board member Sven Knapp said alternative network operators account for a significant share of Europe’s fibre deployment. Maintaining that contribution, he argued, requires investment certainty supported by a clear copper-to-fibre transition.

Ecta director general Luc Hindryckx said competition drives innovation and investment, making it essential both to consumers and Europe’s wider competitiveness.

The Swedish Local Fibre Alliance pointed to Sweden’s experience, citing the early phase-out of copper, strong local and municipal operators, and long-term political decisions as factors behind the country’s fibre connectivity.

VATM managing director Dr Frederic Ufer called for a coordinated migration mechanism based on transparent, objective and non-discriminatory rules, with appropriate access conditions for all market players.