Míla to close copper network as Fjarðabyggð gets fibre

Míla plans to close its copper network in Fjarðabyggð municipality by 1 May 2027 at the latest, as fibre optic coverage of the municipality is completed, mbl.is reports.

Fibre optic installation is now well advanced in six urban centres: Reyðarfjörður, Fáskrúðsfjörður, Neskaupstaður, Eskifjörður, Breiðdalsvík and Stöðvarfjörður.

When the project began, around 2,000 addresses in Fjarðabyggð lacked fibre optic connections. This year, work has focused on Eskifjörður and Reyðarfjörður, covering about 500 addresses.

“This is a major milestone, not only for Míla but first and foremost for residents and businesses in Fjarðabyggð,” said Erik Figueras Torras, Míla’s chief executive.

He said strong telecommunications had become as important a part of society’s infrastructure as roads and electricity.

Míla has also expanded the mobile network in the municipality. A new mobile transmitter near Norðfjarðarviti was put into operation this summer, while preparations are under way for new mobile sites in Breiðdalsvík and Stöðvarfjörður.

Figueras Torras said cooperation with the municipality and residents had gone well despite disruption caused by the construction work.

“We have received an exceptionally positive response from both the municipality and residents, and that is very important when carrying out projects of this scale,” he said.

Residents and businesses that still use the copper network are encouraged to order fibre optic connections from their telecommunications provider before the network is closed.