EU’s Gigabit Infrastructure Act enters into force
The Gigabit Infrastructure Act has entered into force, introducing new EU-wide rules to cut costs, simplify permits and accelerate the rollout of fibre and 5G networks. The legislation aims to boost Europe’s digital readiness by improving infrastructure sharing, coordinating civil works and ensuring new and renovated buildings are equipped for high-speed connectivity.
The European Union’s Gigabit Infrastructure Act (GIA) has officially entered into effect, introducing a new set of rules designed to speed up the rollout of high-speed connectivity networks across the bloc. Adopted to address persistent barriers that telecom operators face when deploying infrastructure, the legislation aims to reduce costs, simplify procedures and accelerate the expansion of fibre and 5G networks.
The GIA targets long-standing structural hurdles in Europe’s connectivity landscape. Operators have repeatedly cited fragmented permitting processes, duplicative civil works and limited access to existing infrastructure as major obstacles to timely and cost-efficient network expansion. By streamlining these procedures, the act seeks to support the shift toward future-proof networks capable of handling rapidly growing demand from AI, cloud computing and other data-intensive services.
The new rules place strong emphasis on coordination and information-sharing. Telecom operators will be encouraged to share infrastructure where appropriate and to coordinate civil works, reducing unnecessary duplication. Public works projects will be required to integrate network installation opportunities, allowing fibre or 5G infrastructure to be laid during roadworks or renovations. The act also mandates the digitalisation of permitting procedures and improves access to data on existing passive infrastructure and planned civil works, allowing operators to plan deployments more efficiently.
Another significant provision links connectivity upgrades with Europe’s broader building renovation wave. Newly constructed buildings and those undergoing major renovation will need to be equipped with fibre-ready in-building infrastructure and fibre wiring, ensuring long-term readiness for advanced broadband services.
While most provisions apply immediately from 12 November 2025, several elements will come into force over the coming months. The European Commission is working with member states and the Body of European Regulators for Electronic Communications (BEREC) to support smooth implementation across the EU.
