The latest Analysys Mason report authored by Dongye Liu, a Research Analyst in the Consumer Services team, has revealed who’s investing in Fibre-to-the-room (FTTR) technology.
FTTR extends fibre-optic connections directly to individual rooms, offering ultra-fast internet access with low latency, improving Wi-Fi performance, and supporting high-bandwidth in-home applications. Unlike traditional FTTH, where optical fibre terminates at a single point, FTTR provides fibre directly to each room, eliminating the need for Wi-Fi mesh systems and enhancing the user experience.
FTTR offers ultra-high-speed networks, with symmetrical speeds up to 10Gbit/s and low latency under 10ms, and is optimized for high-bandwidth, latency-sensitive activities such as AR/XR and cloud gaming.
It ensures higher transmission stability, not affected by thick walls or electromagnetic interference, making it ideal for large homes, apartment complexes, and older buildings. Additionally, FTTR supports up to 256 connected devices, significantly more than traditional systems, making it suitable for smart home applications.
With FTTP becoming more widespread, telecom operators are seeking ways to differentiate themselves. FTTR presents monetization opportunities through premium pricing, in-home network speed guarantees, value-added services like cybersecurity and Wi-Fi motion detection, and premium installation services. Operators can also partner with real estate developers to integrate FTTR in new developments.
While Huawei and ZTE have led FTTR development in China, collaborating with major operators like China Mobile and China Telecom, adoption outside of China is still in the trial phase in countries like France, Malaysia, and Saudi Arabia.
The primary challenge for wider FTTR adoption is the complexity of installation, which often requires professional help. In higher labor-cost countries, DIY packages have been proposed as a more cost-effective alternative, although this could impact the user experience. Around 20-30 operators are currently experimenting with FTTR globally.
Here are some examples of operators offering FTTR services:
China Unicom (China): Monthly price ranges from RMB 199 to 399 (USD 27 to 55). FTTR services are part of fixed-mobile convergence (FMC) bundles, including mobile voice, data, and free pay-TV services for one year. Speeds can reach up to 1Gbit/s, with one master Wi-Fi device and one sub-device included; additional sub-devices cost RMB 500 (USD 70). The service comes with a 36-month commitment. AI-powered FTTR services in select regions include smart security, network-attached storage (NAS), and Wi-Fi motion. Installation is free, with a technician provided.
E& (UAE): Monthly price is AED 129 (USD 35). Customers can subscribe to up to three FTTR services at one location, each capable of connecting up to five bedrooms (up to 15 bedrooms in total). Speeds can reach 1Gbit/s, with a 24-month commitment and an early termination fee of AED 1000 (USD 272). Installation fee information is not available.
stc (Saudi Arabia): Monthly price is SAR 134 (USD 36). The service can connect up to 16 bedrooms within the same premises, with a 12- or 24-month commitment. Installation fee details are not available.
TIME (Malaysia): Monthly price ranges from MYR 55 to 90 (USD 12 to 20). Available only to customers on 1Gbit/s fibre plans, the service includes Wi-Fi 6 routers, and more access points are provided with higher-tier plans. It supports up to 128 devices simultaneously. Installation fee information is not available.
Telefónica (Spain): Monthly price is EUR 9.9 (USD 11). The service includes smart Wi-Fi 6 and an amplifier with a 24-month commitment. Installation fee details are not available.
ZOEP (France): Monthly price is EUR 36.9 (USD 39), available only in Réunion Island. Speeds can reach up to 2Gbit/s, with an installation fee of EUR 120.
Baburajan Kizhakedath
