The proceedings on the request to change the network termination point for fibre optic networks in Germany has come to a positive conclusion. With the final decision published in the organization’s official Gazette on 22 January 2025, the Federal Network Agency (BNetzA) ensures the retention of the passive network termination point in fibre optic networks. The ‘passive’ network termination point for fibre optic connections, which has been enshrined in the German Telecommunications Act (TKG) since 2016, will therefore remain in place. Consumers in Germany will therefore continue to have a completely free choice of end devices directly at their fibre optic connection.
BNetzA considers exemption of fibre optic connections from ‘router freedom’ to be technically unfounded
According to the Federal Network Agency, the associations submitting the request did not provide sufficient evidence to prove that connections would be more susceptible to interference if consumers would be allowed to use their own end devices. Furthermore, after going through the test programme of the corresponding BEREC guidelines, no need to relocate the network termination point for passive optical networks was established. Instead, the Federal Network Agency’s investigation showed that the interests of end users and competition are better served by the current regulation.
The Federal Network Agency’s decision to retain ‘router exemption’ for fibre optic connections is a necessary positive signal for digitization in Germany. Fibre optics is the future. Consumers will continue to have the right to choose and use needs-based, energy-efficient, high-quality end devices, while manufacturers can continue to develop innovations without restrictions – so that both can realize the full potential of the ultra-fast internet.
Important signal for Europe
While the right to free choice of terminal equipment, which was enshrined at EU level in 2015, has now been strengthened in Germany, the regulation has yet to be implemented in other member states.
In around a third of EU member states, there is already a free choice of terminal equipment – Belgium was recently added as a further country that ensures the free choice of terminal equipment for fibre optic, cable and DSL connections through regulation.
Nevertheless, users in other countries still frequently have no opportunity to freely choose and use a terminal device that meets their needs. It is to be hoped that the Federal Network Agency’s decision will provide a positive impetus to enable a free choice of terminal equipment there as well.
Link to the press release as PDF.