Open Access is shaping the regulatory landscape for fiber networks

When implemented correctly, it drives uptake and fiber utilization, reduces overbuilds and creates a sustainable model for growth — without compromising operational control.

Single fiber infrastructure accessed by multiple retail service providers

What is Open Access?

Business Model Enabled by Open Access

Achieve Commercial Success with Open-Access

Increase Take-Up

Turn your fiber investment into a bustling open-access marketplace – often doubling customer take-rates as subscribers get more choice

Expand and Profit

Focus on growth with efficient operating model leading to shorter payback and higher ROI

Worry-Free Operations

Activate customers in seconds, streamline business with scale and insight

Open-Access Stakeholders Dynamics

Working together to win!

Network Owners (NOs)

  • Finance & build passive infrastructure

  • Own ducts, fiber

  • Maintain passive layer

  • Bear market & investment risk

Fiber Network Operator (FNO)

  • Operate Open-Access platform

  • Supply, provision and manage active infrastructure

  • Support service providers onboarding

  • Maintain service quality

Service Providers (SPs)

  • Market and sell services

  • Customer billing & support

  • Provide end-user services

  • Provide end-user services

Open Up Your Network for Higher Utilisation & Retention

Telco Doing it All

Low Utilisation of Fiber

Overbuild & High Churn

Regulator Pressure

Vertically Integrated Telco

Fully Managed

Open Access

with IFA Managed Service

High Utilisation of Fiber

Better Customer Service & Retention

Wide Access to Countrywide ISP Ecosystem

Bespoke

Open Access

with IFA Expert Support

High Utilisation of Fiber

Better Customer Service & Retention

Select ISPs Onboarded

The Transformation towards Open-Access

From Vertical to Open-Access

Vertically integrated telcos owned the passive infrastructure, operated these networks and sold services to end-users. The deregulation of the telecommunications sector, has led to a disaggregated value chain – a split into three fundamental layers – passive infrastructure, active infrastructure and service provisioning

European Commission Three Layer Model (3LOM)​

Open access delivers the greatest mix of innovation, competition, efficiency, and long-term benefit. Open-access avoids costly duplication (over-builds), extends coverage (especially in rural areas), lowers prices, and accelerates take-up