Citynet’s plans to become involved in the operation of open-access networks

in cooperation with local partners could help jump-start the FTTH/B sector

in Spain. Meanwhile, the Catalan government has announced a proposal to

connect all municipalities in the region with fiber infrastructure.

Citynet has deployed fiber infrastructure through the sewer systems in 10 of

Spain’s largest cities on behalf of third parties, primarily telecoms operators

and local municipalities. The company reserved some fiber in all deployments

from the start with the aim of eventually becoming involved in operating an

open-access network. And now Citynet is coming close to achieving that goal.

The company has not finalized the details, but Francisco Joya, Citynet’s

strategy planning director, says a likely business case would be that Citynet

operates the various networks in cooperation with a local partner in each city.

Citynet is likely to offer access to dark fiber and a wholesale product.

Local partnerships are important, Joya says, because operators such as Citynet

need people with a vested interest in their area who are willing to invest in,

promote and support the project. He also hopes the existence of the openaccess

networks will encourage people to start local ISPs.

The cities in which Citynet has deployed fiber have a combined population of

about 10 million. The company has deployed metropolitan rings that connect

most public buildings, central switches in the incumbent’s network and other

strategic points. Citynet says it will bring fiber to the end-user “in due course,”

focusing first on business districts and later on residential areas.