From November 1st, Belgian consumers will be able to freely choose which network devices they use. The free choice of modem officially comes into force.

The BIPT announced the free choice of modem a year ago and the decision will officially come into force this week. Free modem choice means that you, as the end user of the network, are free to choose which devices you want to use. The BIPT wants to make it easier for consumers to switch providers and stimulate competition in the industry.

In practice, the first step is to identify a network connection point (NTP) from which the end user can take control of the device. 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.

Freedom and choice

One of the main arguments for introducing free modem choice is to offer consumers more freedom and choice when choosing a modem. You are no longer required to use your provider’s modem when connecting to a new telecommunications subscription. The legislation is also intended to stimulate competition between operators and manufacturers of network equipment.

Additional services are possible. In the long run, purchasing a router or modem can be cheaper than renting a router or modem from a provider. This also gives the user more control over the devices, although you are now responsible for updating and securing the router. Finally, the free choice of modem should also reduce the disposal of operational network devices.

Belgian operators have accepted the decision, but not without a fight. Orange, among others, went to court against the free choice of modem, but the appeal was dismissed. Please note that operators do not provide technical support to customers using their own modems.

Belgium is not the first country to leave the choice to the end consumer. Based on the Net Neutrality Regulation, free choice of modem has been available in the European Union for several years. With the introduction, Belgium follows the example of Finland, Germany, Italy and the Netherlands, which previously decided to introduce free modem choice.