Proximus and Telenet sign fibre rollout deal in Flanders

Telecom firms Proximus and Telenet have signed final agreements to expand high-speed fibre internet across Flanders. The deal, which also involves Fiberklaar and Wyre, aims to speed up the rollout of gigabit internet while cutting costs and reducing disruption from roadworks.

The companies first agreed in principle in 2024 to work together, despite initial plans to build rival networks. The project, worth at least €2.5 billion, had faced delays as regulators reviewed its impact on competition.

Under the plan, fibre networks will be jointly built in medium and less densely populated areas, with both sides sharing access to infrastructure. In sparsely populated regions, existing hybrid fibre-coax networks will be used instead of full fibre connections. In major cities, each company will continue to develop its own network.

The agreement still needs approval from regulators, including the Belgian Competition Authority and the Belgian Institute for Postal Services and Telecommunications, which are continuing their investigation. Adjustments have been made to the rollout schedule and other terms following earlier concerns.

Telecoms minister Vanessa Matz welcomed the deal and said it could bring faster internet to more homes in rural areas.

Regulators will now assess whether the partnership delivers fair benefits to consumers before giving final approval.

^{#FlandersNewsService | The installation of a fibre network in Ghent © BELGA PHOTO JAMES ARTHUR GEKIERE}