Charter: our commitment to a future-proof fiber network
The mission of DIGI is to make telecom affordable and therefore DIGI is investing in the rollout of a future-proof Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) network in Belgium. This network is capable of delivering multi-gigabit speeds today and is scalable to meet growing connectivity needs well into the future.
This investment directly supports the European Digital Decade objectives for 2030 and is essential for economic growth, digital inclusion, innovation, and resilient connectivity for citizens, businesses, and public institutions.
Fiber as the digital backbone
Fiber forms the digital backbone of modern communities. It enables high-quality digital services, supports smart city and IoT applications, underpins 5G networks, and ensures reliable, ultra-fast internet for everyone.
Decisions made today about where and how fiber is deployed, and who gets access to the infrastructure, have long-term consequences: they influence competition, service quality, innovation, resilience, and price stability for local communities.
Efficient rollout with minimal disruption
DIGI’s rollout model is designed for efficiency and to minimise disruption for residents and their surroundings. We achieve this by:
- maximizing the reuse of existing physical infrastructure such as ducts, façades, and poles;
- using modern construction techniques such as mini and micro trenching;
- coordinating closely with local authorities and other utility operators;
- installing extra duct capacity where new trenches are required, avoiding future roadworks.
Open access to fiber infrastructure
At DIGI, we believe multiple independent fiber networks are essential to protect the long-term interests of citizens and businesses. If only one party controls the physical infrastructure, this can lead to higher prices, slower innovation, and fewer choices for consumers.
That’s why DIGI supports open and non-discriminatory access to ducts and other passive infrastructure. This allows multiple operators to offer their services, fostering sustainable competition and better service quality.
This approach fully aligns with European and Belgian policy, including the Gigabit Infrastructure Act.
DIGI’s commitment to a safe rollout
DIGI is committed to:
- full compliance with all applicable European, federal, regional, and municipal legislation (including the Code for Utility Works, GIPOD/Powalco/Osiris, and safety and restoration standards);
- transparent planning and proactive communication with local authorities and residents;
- high standards for safety, quality of works, restoration of public space, and respect for building architecture;
- social responsibility, legal employment practices, and workplace well-being;
- continuous dialogue, designated points of contact, and aftercare following the completion of works.
Our call to local authorities
To ensure an efficient, high-quality, and future-proof fiber rollout, DIGI encourages local authorities to collaborate and create a favourable investment climate. Specifically, we ask them to:
- apply non-discriminatory permitting policies to all telecom operators;
- actively promote the sharing of physical infrastructure, in line with the Gigabit Infrastructure Act;
- consistently use GIPOD/Powalco/Osiris and regional coordination tools, avoiding fragmented local procedures;
- apply moratorium periods pragmatically and allow exceptions when additional duct capacity or synergies can prevent future disruption;
- foster a predictable and legally certain climate that encourages long-term infrastructure investments for the benefit of citizens and local economies.
Building a digital future together
Through constructive cooperation, transparency, and mutual respect, DIGI and local authorities can jointly ensure an efficient, high-quality, and future-proof fiber rollout. This approach limits disruption today while guaranteeing affordable, competitive, and resilient digital connectivity for generations to come.