Public–private partnership in FTTX passive infrastructure deployment: the 22@BCN case

The paper analyses municipal active involvement in deploying passive telecommunication infrastructure oriented to support New Generation Access (NGAs) networks. This analysis is illustrated using a case study based on the 22@Barcelona council initiative, consisting on the deployment of a whole passive network infrastructure under a shared investment agreement with the incumbent operator. Part of this municipal passive infrastructure is used to rent dark fibre and spaces in order to lower entry cost for alternative operators and encourage competition on the FTTX market. The analysis is centred on benefits, risks, costs and opportunities for municipal passive infrastructure deployment.