Proximus and EQT Infrastructure have signed a final partnership agreement specifying the terms to build a fiber network in Flanders together.
The purpose is to connect at least 1.5 million homes and businesses to fiber in the framework of this collaboration. The agreement allows Proximus to further shape its ambition to enlarge and accelerate the roll-out of its open Fiber network in Belgium.
At the end of July, Proximus and EQT Infrastructure (through its portfolio company DELTA Fiber) announced the signature of a Memorandum of Understanding, formalizing their common intention to engage in negotiations on the joint deployment of a fiber network across cities and neighbourhoods in Flanders.
These negotiations have now resulted in the signing of a final agreement, further specifying the terms of the collaboration. By joining forces, Proximus and EQT Infrastructure, Europe’s leading investor in digital infrastructure, will be able to leverage know-how and efficiency gains in fiber deployment as well as realise a significant acceleration and a substantial increase of the fiber coverage in Flanders. At least 1.5 million Flemish homes and businesses will be connected to fiber within this collaboration in the coming years.
As part of the agreement, a new joint venture between EQT Infrastructure and Proximus will be set up with the aim of designing, building and maintaining the network, which will be open and accessible to all. Proximus will initially own 49.9% of the joint venture.
Guillaume Boutin, CEO of the Proximus Group
This will enable us to reinforce our leading position in multi-gigabit infrastructures, in an era where reliable, next-generation fixed and mobile connectivity has become more important than ever.
Matthias Fackler, Partner and Investment Advisor to EQT Infrastructure
As the leading investor in digital infrastructure, EQT sees the growing need for future-proof and reliable broadband access all over the European continent. Through this partnership, we look forward to facilitating digital inclusion and sustainable economic growth in Flanders and the Belgian society as a whole.
