Deutsche Telekom (DT) denied reports it’s shelving plans for a VD...
Deutsche Telekom (DT) denied reports it’s shelving plans for a VDSL fiber network. A Jan. 12 Financial Times Deutschland article had “persons familiar with the matter” saying the incumbent decided to offer IP-based services over a cheaper ADSL2+ platform.…
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That’s correct, a DT spokesman told us, but the VDSL network isn’t being jettisoned. The plan was to deploy fiber in 50 cities -- it’s in 10 -- then assess options for the rest of Germany. DT is looking at how to use ADSL to provide IPTV services, he said. A report characterized the move to ADSL as a reflection of DT’s need to offer mass-market IPTV to counter its slowing fixed-line business. DT recently won a break from competition rules as it builds the VDSL network, thanks to a Telecom Act change allowing regulatory holidays for “new services.” “We're still on track” for that, the DT spokesman said. News about the ADSL network confirms what rivals have said for months, telecom lawyer Axel Spies said on behalf of the German Competitive Carriers’ Assn. (VATM). If ADSL services can be substituted for VDSL, VDSL services aren’t new and don’t warrant regulatory relief under the telecom law, he said.