Study on implementation and monitoring of measures under Directive 61/2014 Cost Reduction Directive : final report

The Broadband Cost Reduction Directive (BB CRD) of 2014 aims to reduce the costs of deploying high-speed broadband networks through facilitating shared use and coordinated deployment of physical infrastructure within the electronic communications sector and across other sectors such as energy, transport and water, streamlining permit granting procedures and facilitating access to end users' premises. In this study, we define a methodology and gather data to assess the current status of implementation of the Directive, its impact on market outcomes and progress made towards achieving its objectives since the date of application of the Directive in July 2016. We also identify best practice examples of access and co-deployment regimes as well as standards for in-building infrastructure, based on case studies and interviews. As little time has passed since the Directive's transposition, no firm conclusions can be drawn concerning the impact of the Directive on reducing the cost of broadband deployment or achieving more ambitious targets in line with the Gigabit society. However, evidence from countries which previously applied provisions similar to those in the BB CRD, indicate that cross-sectoral collaboration can enable significant cost reductions, supporting the more widespread deployment of very high capacity broadband. Achieving these benefits may however require a more pro-active approach of Member States to implementing the provisions of the BB CRD.