Can a synergetic cooperation between telecom and utility network providers lead to a faster rollout of fiber to the home networks?

Telecommunication networks should be seen as the next utility network, comparable to electricity, water or gas, due to the large similarities in rollout and operational management of all these networks but also as a necessary condition in enabling every person who so wishes to participate fully in the information society, despite individual or social disadvantages. This paper details the approach and first research results of the TERRAIN (Techno-Economic Research for futuRe Access Infrastructure Networks) project, which focuses on a synergetic cooperation between telecom and utility network providers as well as municipalities and other involved actors (vendors, (local) SME's, etc.).