Telefónica, Vodafone, and Orange agree to share in-building fiber in Spain

Three operators in the Spanish market – Telefónica, Vodafone, and Orange – have signed an agreement that allows infrastructure sharing of fiber-optic cable in the vertical section of fiber-to-the-building (FTTB) networks.

The agreement outlines the types of buildings in which vertical infrastructures will be shared and the technical procedures that will make this possible. The operators will gradually specify the cities, areas, and buildings in which they want to roll-out optical fiber and the building managers and operators will prepare an infrastructure delivery plan. The agreement also includes the option to transfer existing undertakings or for each company to build its own.

The agreement is based on a principle of reciprocity, so that all three operators can use their rivals’ vertical roll-outs wherever they may need them. After signing the agreement, the infrastructure that Telefónica has already rolled out could gradually be used by Vodafone and Orange. Conversely, when these two operators deploy new infrastructure outside the existing coverage of Telefónica, the latter may also request vertical sharing from its rivals.

The infrastructure sharing of the vertical cable in buildings will be done through a single payment for each vertical, which will give the operator usage rights for a period of not less than 20 years. The prices that will apply will be set, by resolution, by the Spanish telecoms regulator Comisión del Mercado de las Telecomunicaciones (CMT).

The signing of this agreement represents an important step to bring this technology to more homes and businesses throughout Spain, the operators claim.

Vodafone and Orange had previously agreed to co-invest in FTTH networks and share the in-building segments of each others’ networks (see “Vodafone, Orange partner for FTTH in Spain”).

For more information on FTTx/access systems and suppliers, visit the Lightwave Buyer’s Guide.