Brussels Faces Fiber Optic Facade Fiasco: Telecom Giants Grapple with new Guidelines
Brussels, a city known for its historic architecture, is now at teh center of a modern-day dilemma as telecom giants like Digi, Proximus, and Orange race to build a state-of-the-art fiber optic network. However, their efforts have hit a snag due to the installation of thousands of black distribution boxes on building facades, sparking controversy and prompting new regulatory guidelines.
The Black Box Controversy
Internet providers have been busy installing fiber optic cables and distribution boxes across Brussels, with Digi alone having placed cabinets on 150,000 buildings. These boxes, however, are uniformly black, despite legislation requiring them to match the color of the facades they adorn. According to telecom operators, the rules were “unclear,” leading to widespread non-compliance.
In response, Brussels State Secretary for Urban Planning and Heritage Ans Persoons has issued new guidelines to clarify the legislation. telecom companies can now choose from three colors for their distribution boxes: black,gray,or terracotta (for brick facades). If none of these options match a specific facade, providers must apply for an urban progress permit.
Michaël de borman, who first raised the alarm about the “illegal” distribution boxes in April last year, argues that the new guidelines fall short. “Not only the distribution boxes, but also the cables must be taken into account,” he insists. “Now the Region does not do that, they do not count the cables towards the maximum size of a box, and they must not be installed in the color of the facade.”
A Federal Matter?
De Borman suggests a simple solution: “Let all telecom players use the same cable.” However, Persoons counters that this is beyond her jurisdiction. “That is a power of the federal government. Federal law gives each telecom operator the freedom to provide their own connections.”
For Digi, the new guidelines mean replacing thousands, if not tens of thousands, of distribution boxes. Jeroen Degadt, Digi Belgium’s general manager, acknowledges the challenge but emphasizes the need for clarity. “We will respect that decision,” he says. “As a company, we have no problem with rules per se, but they must be clear. We thought we were doing nothing wrong and have always acted in good faith.”
The Scale of the Challenge
Digi has already visited 150,000 of Brussels’ 600,000 properties, highlighting the sheer scale of the task. degadt admits that mistakes were made, particularly with protected facades, but promises swift corrections. “We now have the lists of protected facades, and where we made mistakes, we will correct them as quickly as possible.”
Proximus, which boasts the largest fiber optic network in Brussels, has connected 70% of households. Spokesperson Fabrice Gansbeke acknowledges the complexity of replacing newly installed boxes. “Replacing all those cabinets is a titanic task,” he says. “We have already invested hundreds of millions in this infrastructure, which is crucial for the digital future of brussels.”
Orange,currently focusing on Ixelles,has opted to wait for the official publication of the guidelines before commenting.
Key Takeaways
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Distribution Box Colors | Black, gray, or terracotta; permits required for non-matching facades |
| Protected Facades | No installations allowed without negative advice from Monuments Commission |
| Cable Color Rules | Not currently enforced; deemed “unreasonable” by Persoons |
| Federal Jurisdiction | Telecom operators free to use their own cables under federal law |
| Replacement Costs | Digi and Proximus face meaningful expenses to comply with new guidelines |
What’s Next?
The Brussels government’s new guidelines aim to balance the need for advanced digital infrastructure with the preservation of the city’s architectural heritage. However, the road ahead is fraught with challenges, from logistical hurdles to financial costs.
As the telecom giants navigate these complexities, one thing is clear: the future of Brussels’ digital connectivity hinges on finding a harmonious solution that respects both innovation and tradition.
For more insights into the evolving fiber optic landscape in Belgium, explore the BIPT’s fiber rollout map, which tracks the deployment of FTTH (Fiber to the Home) networks across the country.
What are your thoughts on the balance between modernization and heritage preservation? Share your views in the comments below!
