Belgian full-service telecoms operator Proximus and EQT Infrastructure (through its portfolio company Delta Fibre) have signed a definitive agreement specifying the terms of their plan to deploy a fibre-to-the-premises (FTTP) network in Flanders connecting at least 1.5 million homes and businesses in the coming years. As part of the agreement, first announced in July, a new joint venture between EQT Infrastructure and Proximus will be set up with the aim of designing, building and maintaining the network, which will be open and accessible to wholesale customers. Proximus will initially own 49.9% of the joint venture. The file will now be submitted for approval to the relevant authorities.
Proximus Group CEO Guillaume Boutin commented: ‘I am very pleased that we have signed this final agreement with EQT Infrastructure. This will enable us to reinforce our leading position in multi-gigabit infrastructures, in an era where reliable, next-generation fixed and mobile connectivity has become more important than ever. It also illustrates our positive attitude towards cooperation and co-investment, which will be an important trigger to guarantee a faster, broader and more cost-efficient rollout.’
Proximus has also announced plans to scale up deployment of its FTTP network in Mechelen and Sint-Niklaas in the coming years, with the ultimate goal of connecting at least 62,000 homes and businesses in the two cities. The rollout will be conducted in phases and in close consultation with the city council. Proximus’s FTTP deployment programme is already underway in 16 Belgian cities, passing more than 400,000 homes and businesses. The company aims to connect as many as 4.2 million homes and businesses – equivalent to 70% national fibre coverage – by the end of 2028.