The time has come: from November 2024, Belgian consumers will be able to choose their own modems and routers for broadband and Internet telephony. This means that when Internet users take out their Internet subscription, they are no longer obliged to purchase the modem/router from their operator.

The Belgian Institute for Postal Services and Telecommunications (BIPT) announced this in October 2023 and set up the network connection point (NTP) for fixed networks. This decision marks an important milestone for the telecommunications industry and promises a strong boost for safer internet access, sustainability and innovation.

The European Directive 2018/1972 on the European Electronic Communications Code gives national regulatory authorities the power to determine the location of the NTP. BIPT’s decision is clear: the provider’s network ends at the socket on the wall (Graphic A vs. Graphic B). For copper networks and fiber optic connections, the network connection point is the socket to which the modem is connected. With a coaxial connection, this is the black network distributor to which the modem is connected.

Belgium is following the example of several other EU member states. There are already ten countries in Europe, including the Netherlands (2022), Finland (2014), Germany (2016) and Italy (2018), that have introduced free modem choice.

What does free modem choice mean in practice?

• Free choice: Consumers and business customers can now choose devices that better suit their needs, such as more powerful devices or with better cybersecurity.
• Sustainability and cost efficiency: Consumers and businesses no longer have to place their device behind the provider’s modem, so only one device uses power. This consumption can be reduced even further with energy-efficient devices. In addition, devices can continue to function even if you change providers, saving costs and reducing electronic waste.
• Security and privacy: Users and companies gain more control over the security and privacy settings of their own devices. They can choose which updates and settings they apply, strengthening their digital autonomy.
• Innovation: Liberalization leads to more competition between manufacturers, which stimulates innovation. Users benefit from a wider range of advanced devices that leverage the latest technologies and are better tailored to their needs.

This important step shows that strengthening consumer rights and promoting a competitive market go hand in hand. The Alliance of Manufacturers of Telecommunications Terminal Equipment (VTKE) underlines this in a current press release.

This is a contribution from Martin Krebs, Vice President Routers & Gateways at LANCOM Systems. The publishers are not responsible for the content. Further information about Lancom Systems’ services can be found here.