As a regulation, the Gigabit Infrastructure Act (GIA) applies directly in all member states without the need for transposition into national law. The main GIA provisions entered into effect on 12 November 2025.

Nevertheless, EU member states may need to adjust their national laws to ensure implementation. The GIA also allows member states to take additional measures on top of its minimum requirements in order to address national circumstances.

Cullen International's new benchmark shows the choices made by member states when implementing the GIA.

Key takeaways

• About half of EU member states have begun adopting implementing legislation or additional national measures related to the GIA.

• Among countries that acted so far, national approaches diverge on issues such as tacit approval for permits, access to infrastructure in private commercial buildings and the use of fibre-ready building labels.

• Member states also make different choices on optional provisions. Cullen International’s research found different approaches regarding the extension of civil works coordination to privately funded projects and the refusal of infrastructure access when operators provide active wholesale access to very high capacity networks (VHCN).

Why it matters

Although the GIA directly applies, national choices regarding optional provisions and complementary legislation can significantly affect infrastructure sharing, permit procedures and building connectivity rules. These differences may influence the speed and cost of gigabit network deployment across Europe.

Background / context

The Gigabit Infrastructure Act replaced the Broadband Cost Reduction Directive. It aims to accelerate the rollout of VHCN by lowering the costs of access to passive infrastructure and cutting red tape.

Scope

Region: Europe
Countries covered: EU-27
Policy area: Telecoms / connectivity regulation
Last updated: March 2026

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