Users are no longer required to purchase the modem/router from their operator when purchasing their Internet subscription.

The BIPT has defined the network connection point (NTP) for fixed networks in a new decision. The NTP determines when the user has control over their Internet connection. The BIPT considers modems and routers to be part of the end user’s devices. You have the right to freely choose broadband and internet telephony.

Belgium is no exception to this position: in ten countries, including the Netherlands, Finland, Germany and Italy, the same view prevails and end customers have been able to freely choose their modem for some time.

There have been initiatives at European Union level for some time to improve competition in the market for telecommunications terminal equipment. For example, the principle that the user must have the opportunity to freely choose end devices (e.g. modems, decoders or telephones, etc.) has been anchored in several directives and regulations.

In practice

To put this into practice, it is necessary to determine the location of the network connection point, which indicates when the user becomes responsible for the telecommunications hardware.

The BIPT assumes that a free choice of modem should enable end customers to change the operator of the same network infrastructure more easily. In their opinion, this should strengthen competition in the telecommunications market. In this way, users can consciously choose a more sustainable device or a device with additional functionalities.

When connecting to a copper network and fiber optic network, you can imagine the location of the network connection point as the socket to which the modem is connected. When connecting to a coaxial network, this is the black network distributor to which the modem is connected.

The BIPT decision will come into force on November 1, 2023. From then on, providers have twelve months to prepare technically for the deadline of November 1, 2024.

Answer provider

Telenet informed our editorial team that the decision is currently being analyzed before further concrete statements are made. “The modem is now included as standard in most residential fixed-line internet subscriptions in Belgium, without the need to purchase one separately.”

“We continue to believe that operator modems themselves offer the best guarantee of a safe/protected network with the best customer experience. If you have a different modem, you may not be able to take advantage of all the optimizations that operators have developed for their own modems to benefit from the best user experience.”

ITdaily has also asked Proximus for a response to this new BIPT decision. We will update this article as soon as we receive a response.