IWB, Swisscom join for FTTP in Basel

DECEMBER 20, 2010 -- Eight months after reaching a preliminary agreement, Swisscom and utility giant IWB have reached final agreement on a plan to jointly expand their fiber-optic networks in the city of Basel. The two companies plan to connect all residences and businesses in Basel with open access fiber to the premises (FTTP) by the end of 2017.

The price tag for the venture is expected to be approximately CHF 170 million. Swisscom will assume 60% of the bill and IWB the remaining 40%. Approval for the project from the cantonal council of Basel city is expected by the beginning of 2011.

IWB and Swisscom will leverage their existing telecommunications networks as well as IWB's electricity and drinking water infrastructure. The fiber-optic cables that have already been installed by Swisscom and IWB in Basel will be included in the joint venture. IWB will exercise responsibility for overall coordination of construction and operation.

The construction plan calls for four fibers to each building. IWB's Layer 1 offer of dark fiber will guarantees non-discriminatory access to the FTTP network, the companies say.