The Belgian Competition Authority (BCA) has approved the proposed fiber partnership between Fiberklaar, a Proximus affiliate, and Wyre, Telenet's network builder, on multigigabit networks in Flanders.

It means that Fiberklaar and Wyre will work together to speed up the rollout of fiber networks across large suburban areas of Flanders, the northern region of Belgium.

Liberty Global, the owner of Wyre, noted that Wyre will build 58.5 percent and Fiberklaar 41.5 percent of the network, with the majority of homes passed by June 30, 2029, and 1.9 million homes fully connected by June 30, 2037.

The project will see Fiberklaar and Wyre provide each other partner access to their network, while only one fiber network will be built per area.

According to Proximus, this model will allow access for other interested providers beyond Proximus and Telenet, while increasing efficiency of the buildout with less disruption caused by construction works.

The partnership will focus on driving the fiber rollout across the suburban areas of Flanders, characterized by intermediate levels of population density.

In some of the region's most densely populated areas, where the fiber networks are already well advanced, Proximus, Fiberklaar, and Wyre will continue their rollout efforts independently, and their respective networks will coexist.

In the rural areas characterized by low levels of population density, Wyre's existing HFC (Hybrid Fiber Coax) network will be upgraded to deliver higher speeds and multigigabit connectivity, and Proximus will progressively migrate customers on the Wyre HFC network.

"With this approval, a new phase begins for the digital future of Flanders. Thanks to this collaboration, we will reach more households and businesses with ultra-fast fiber, while simultaneously limiting the impact of construction works in cities and municipalities," said Stijn Bijnens, CEO, Proximus Group.

"In this way, we create a strong digital backbone that supports innovation, economic growth and social progress."