How to measure the success rate of fiber-based access networks? Evaluation of the Stokab case and comparison to other European cases

Within the European telecommunications industry, there is a trend towards the development of fiber-based access networks, more specifically Fiber-to-the-Home (FttH) networks. However, the rollout progress of these networks across Europe differs significantly. Several successful business cases exist in Sweden, the Netherlands and Denmark, while other countries such as Belgium and the United Kingdom clearly lag behind in the deployment of these networks. Using a conceptual framework for description and analysis, this paper aims to identify drivers for success by evaluating and comparing different European cases. One of them, Stokab in Stockholm, is thoroughly investigated to identify what drove the city of Stockholm to invest in the rollout of an FttH network and what makes its business model economically sustainable. In addition, the Stokab model is compared with other successful business cases in Europe (in particular the Netherlands, Germany and Greece) and the advantages and disadvantages for each model are highlighted. The paper concludes by arguing about the possible reasons why no action is taken so far in other European countries.