- The new regulation mandates easier access to existing physical infrastructure, co‑deployment of networks and digitalised permitting processes.
- It comes as demand for cloud computing, artificial intelligence and ultra‑low‑latency services places fresh pressure on fibre and 5G network roll‑out.
What happened: EU unveils Gigabit Infrastructure Act to accelerate fibre and 5G deployment
The Gigabit Infrastructure Act replaces the previous Broadband Cost Reduction Directive and entered into effect on 12 November 2025, though some elements were applicable earlier. The regulation is directly applicable in all EU Member States and sets out new rules to support the roll‑out of very‑high‑capacity networks (VHCNs), including fibre‑to‑the‑premises and next‑generation 5G infrastructure. Key provisions require public bodies to provide access to buildings, ducts, poles and other existing infrastructure under fair and reasonable terms; they mandate the coordination of civil works so that telecom deployment can be carried out alongside major public‑works projects; and they introduce the principle of “tacit authorisation”, meaning that if a permit decision is not taken within a set time (typically four months) it is deemed granted. According to the European Commission, the GIA aims to make “fast and advanced connectivity widely available across the EU” by tackling structural obstacles in network deployment.
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Why it’s important
In a digital‑economy era characterised by massive growth in cloud computing, artificial‑intelligence workloads and latency‑sensitive applications, the GIA is a crucial instrument for Europe’s connectivity agenda. By streamlining fibre and 5G roll‑out, the regulation addresses long‑standing industry complaints over fragmented permitting regimes, duplicative civil engineering and lack of access to public‑sector infrastructure. Analysts say that shared access to infrastructure and co‑deployment of telecoms and civil works will unlock economies of scale and reduce costs, which in turn may accelerate investment and deployment across rural and under‑served areas. The law’s linkage to the EU’s “Digital Decade” targets means that it also plays into broader strategic goals of digital sovereignty and competitiveness.
But while the legal framework is in place, much of the implementation still depends on national‑legislative action, regulatory cooperation and alignment of public‑works scheduling. Whether Europe can turn the promise of simplified rules into rapid real‑world roll‑out remains to be seen—and will be watched closely by operators, regulators and policymakers alike.
