- Vectra confirms the sale of its fibre infrastructure assets to Polish wholesale provider Open Fiber.
- The move reflects a growing shift towards open-access models in European broadband markets.
What happened
Polish telecommunications company Vectra has signed an agreement to sell its Fiber optic infrastructure business to Open Fiber, which is a wholesale supplier operating in Poland. The transaction includes over 15,000 kilometers of fiber-optic network assets spanning multiple Polish cities. The transaction is still subject to regulatory approval and the financial terms have not been disclosed yet.
This sale will enable Vectra to refocus on its retail broadband and TV services, while Open Fiber will take over the ownership and management rights of passive infrastructure, including pipelines and fiber optic lines. According to the joint statement, Open Fiber will provide neutral wholesale access for multiple service providers, including Vectra, after the acquisition. Both companies have promised to achieve a seamless transition without interrupting services.
This acquisition has expanded the business scope of Open Fiber and consolidated its position as a key open access operator in the Polish fiber-optic broadband market.Vectra described the deal as part of its “customer-centric growth strategy”, while Open Fiber sees the move as a way to “accelerate investment in modern fibre infrastructure”.
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Why it’s important
This divestment reflects the broader trend in the European telecommunications industry to separate infrastructure from retail businesses. The open access wholesale model is becoming increasingly popular. It allows multiple Internet service providers (ISPs) to use shared infrastructure instead of replicating networks. This can reduce deployment costs, accelerate promotion in underserved areas, and enhance competition.
In recent years, with the support of the EU Digital Transformation Fund and private investment, Poland’s fiber optic market has expanded rapidly. The acquisition of Vectra network by Open Fiber enables it to expand rapidly and support more providers to offer high-speed broadband, especially in second-tier cities.
This transformation can enhance the utilization efficiency of infrastructure and may reduce prices for consumers. However, it also centralizes the control of infrastructure in the hands of a few people. Regulatory authorities must ensure fair access and transparency in such open access arrangements. Overall, this move is in line with Europe’s efforts to modernize its connectivity and supports a competitive and innovative digital market.
