State of Fibre: updated Market Forecasts 2021 - 2026 revealed with an overview of fibre deployment in rural areas

15 September 2021. Today at the FTTH virtual Conference 2021, the FTTH Council Europe released two reports: the latest figures of the FTTH Forecasts for 2021 and 2026 and an overview of fibre deployments in rural areas.

• New forecasts anticipate 302 million homes passed with FTTH/B by 2026 for EU39, of which EU27+UK will account for 197 million representing a 67% increase compared to 2021 numbers.
• Number of subscribers expected to reach 135 million in 2026 for EU27+UK from 60 million in 2021 and 197 million for EU39 (from 99 million) while take-up rate would continue to increase to 68,7% and 65,3% respectively. (from 51,1% and 48,5% in 2021)
• Germany, UK and Italy confirm their huge growth potential and are joined by the Netherlands.
• Urban/rural divide remains a challenge with only 22% of rural inhabitants enjoying full-fibre connectivity, compared to 45% for all territories in EU27+UK.