EU Said to Allow Telecoms Copper Switch-Off Delay to 2035

The European Commission is set to allow member states to delay the switch-off of copper telecommunications networks to 2035, giving the industry more time to make the transition to faster fiber networks, according to people familiar with the matter.

The move would give national governments discretion to set their own copper phase-out timelines based on local market conditions, network readiness and consumer impact, according to the people, who asked not to be identified discussing private information. Governments can still require an earlier switch-off if they choose.