Foreword

This year, the BIPT celebrated its 30 years of operation. On this occasion, the Council brought together the BIPT staff and all stakeholders at an event on 14 November 2023. Several experts shared their views on the “Regulatory challenges in a new digital era”.

The BIPT is intensely involved in the transposition or implementation of the new European digital regulation. It was designated as the competent Belgian authority for the implementation of the Terrorist Content Online Act. Its designation as the Digital Services Coordinator under the European Digital Services Act (DSA) is ongoing.

The BIPT organised this year a consultation on the cost model for access to the fibre networks of Proximus and its subsidiaries. It also specified the modalities under which an operator may request access to the end-user cable of a competing operator. The BIPT also clarified the conditions to be met by possible agreements between operators for the deployment of an FTTH network. Finally, the BIPT opened the market for modems.

In 2023, the BIPT made available to users a tool for comparing the prices of basic postal parcels on the website postalpoint.be. The BIPT also conducted various controls in order to check that telecommunications operators comply with their obligations. When necessary, sanctions were imposed.

The BIPT participated in the reform of social tariffs in 2023. It also contributed its expertise in the framework of the 6G and 5G calls for projects. The BIPT was also invested in the transposition of the NIS2 Directive. As regards the postal sector, the BIPT developed the BELparcel platform within the framework of the Act of 17 December 2023 pertaining to various provisions in order to improve the working conditions of postal parcel deliverers.

A new Council took up office at the beginning of 2024, composed of Michel Van Bellinghen, Chairman, and Bernardo Herman, Peggy Valcke and Stefaan Vyverman, Members of the Council.