BLOG — APR 14, 2025
FTTP leads broadband growth in Eastern Europe
By Piotr Gaber
FTTP is now the leading broadband technology in Central and Eastern Europe, replacing older platforms like DSL and cable.
Broadband penetration is high and still growing, with some countries nearing 90% adoption
Government support and EU funding have accelerated fiber expansion and competition across the region.
The fixed-broadband market in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) is undergoing transformation, driven by infrastructure development caused by an increasing demand for high-speed connectivity. The region has seen steady growth in broadband penetration, with fiber-to-the-premises (FTTP) emerging as the dominant platform, gradually replacing older technologies such as DSL and cable.
Broadband penetration across CEE is relatively high, with an average regional rate of 64.1% as of 2024. Slovakia, Serbia and Bulgaria lead with adoption at nearly 90%, and projections indicate further growth by 2030. This expansion is supported by urban development, government-backed fiber initiatives, and growing reliance on digital services. With steady increases in broadband subscriptions, household penetration rates in eight markets have surpassed 80%.
FTTP has overtaken DSL as the leading broadband technology in the region, with governments and private operators investing heavily in fiber infrastructure. Romania stands out, with fiber reaching 84.2% share of fixed broadband households in 2024. Russia has also played a significant role in FTTP growth, with 26.4 million homes subscribing to fiber services as of the end of 2024. In some markets, incumbent operators backed by Western European parent telcos have driven fiber expansion. In other parts of Eastern Europe, FTTP has emerged as a response to DSL monopolies and incumbent control over wireline infrastructure.
Public investment, particularly leveraging EU Structural Funds, has accelerated fiber deployment in rural areas, where private operators have been hesitant to invest. Additionally, high population density and the prevalence of multiple-dwelling units have facilitated the relatively rapid and cost-effective deployment of fiber-to-the-building networks. Despite these advancements, cable broadband remains a competitive alternative in certain markets, such as Hungary or Serbia, though it faces growing competition from fiber.
Regulatory initiatives have played a crucial role in shaping the broadband landscape. Programs like Estonia's EstWin and Hungary's gigabit network expansion have significantly increased FTTP coverage. Local-loop unbundling policies in Hungary, Poland, and the Czech Republic have encouraged competition by allowing alternative internet service providers access to incumbent networks. Furthermore, operator consolidation has been a key trend, with larger telecom groups acquiring smaller competitors to strengthen their market position.
Looking ahead to 2030, FTTP is expected to exceed 60% of total broadband subscriptions in most Eastern European countries. Cable broadband may retain a niche presence, but its long-term competitiveness against fiber remains uncertain. The regional broadband market is poised for sustained growth, with average regional penetration expected at 71% by 2030. With fiber becoming the dominant broadband technology — supported by strong investment, regulatory frameworks and competition — high-speed internet access will continue to expand across the region, ensuring a more connected digital future.
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