At Wyre, an alliance between Telenet and Fluvius, fiber optic expansion has been delayed. Only 44,000 households were connected, although the target was 100,000.

After being founded in 2022, Wyre aimed to connect more than 100,000 homes to fiber by 2023. Their goal was “Home Passed,” meaning homes are fully connected to the fiber optic network. CEO Micha Berger tells De Tijd that Wyre will also be stuck at 44,000 houses in 2023.

The main reason for missing the targets is the long lead time until approval is granted. According to Berger, the local elections taking place this year also play a role. However, he is confident that a new approach will have a positive impact this year.

Berger emphasizes that 59,000 houses were in various stages of construction last year. “For some it is only necessary to connect to our backbone ring, for others we are still digging on the road.” We can confirm that construction has started on all of these houses, but we cannot give them a “houses passed” certificate .”

According to the CEO, the next goal has already been announced. By 2025, Wyre needs to connect 450,000 homes per year. He is convinced that this goal is achievable. By 2029, Wyre wants to connect around 70 percent of Flemish households as well as parts of Brussels and Wallonia to fiber.

History of Wyre

Wyre’s start was not smooth. Two years ago, Telenet and Fluvius announced they wanted to work together, but competition authorities thought otherwise. Just last month, the European Commission gave the green light for the collaboration and the creation of Wyre. Meanwhile, competitor Proximus is going before the State Council against the fiber optic cooperation.

The first address was connected to fiber by Wyre in early July 2023. Wyre already has an agreement today with the shareholder Telenet, but also Orange. Both companies will offer products via the new network. Other operators also have the opportunity to participate.