The Internet Community
in south-eastern Europe
Key trends shaping the future
As industry leaders, policymakers, and network operators prepare to gather for SEE 13 in Bulgaria this April, discussions around digital infrastructure, connectivity, and regulatory developments are more relevant than ever. South-Eastern Europe (SEE) is rapidly evolving as a crucial hub for digital infrastructure, connectivity, and internet growth. From large-scale fibre deployments to regulatory shifts and geopolitical influences, the region is undergoing transformative changes that impact carriers, enterprises, and end-users alike. Here are the top trends shaping the internet landscape in SEE.
Trend 1: Digital infrastructure consolidation & investment
The SEE region has seen a surge in fibre network expansion and consolidation. Notable examples include United Fiber, which now operates one of the largest fibre networks across Greece, Bulgaria, Croatia, and Slovenia, and United Fiber acquisition of Global Communications Net (GCN), strengthening its footprint in Bulgaria and beyond. This wave of investment is driving higher bandwidth availability, improved redundancy, and greater regional connectivity.
Trend 2: The role of vendor-neutral vs. carrier-owned infrastructure
There is an ongoing debate over the benefits of vendor-neutral infrastructure versus carrier-backed networks. Neutral players like ourselves, EXA Infrastructure and Grid Telecom provide dark fibre services that allow greater flexibility for ISPs and enterprises, whereas carrier-owned networks, such as those operated by United Fiber, tend to prioritize managed (lit) services. The balance between these models will significantly shape the competitive landscape in the coming years. A third hybrid model is already taking shape in SEE, reflecting a broader global trend. In Bulgaria, CETIN and Yettel companies created from the structural separation of Telenor, have split responsibilities between infrastructure (CETIN) and retail services (Yettel). This mirrors moves by groups like MTN (Bayobab) in Africa and Vodafone (Vantage Towers) in Europe. The approach enables flexibility, scalability, and may serve as a template for operators seeking to balance infrastructure efficiency with competitive service delivery.
Trend 3: Regional connectivity & new transit routes
South-Eastern Europe plays a critical role as a transit hub between Western Europe, Turkey, and the Middle East. New infrastructure projects, such as the Athens-Thessaloniki terrestrial cable, are enhancing intra-regional connectivity while linking SEE to larger digital corridors. Additionally, the development of subsea cables in the Aegean and Adriatic is further reinforcing the region’s importance as a data transit zone.
Trend 4: The rise of local IXPs & peering growth
Historically, much of the region’s internet traffic has been routed through major hubs in Western Europe, such as Frankfurt, London, Amsterdam, and Paris (FLAP). However, increased demand for lower latency and cost-efficient routing has led to the expansion of Internet Exchange Points (IXPs) within SEE. Countries like Greece, Bulgaria, and Serbia are strengthening their local IXPs, promoting greater regional traffic exchange and reducing reliance on distant peering locations.
Trend 5: Regulatory & policy shifts
The European Union continues to support broadband expansion in underserved areas of SEE, but navigating local regulations remains a challenge for infrastructure providers. Policies around data sovereignty, net neutrality, and cybersecurity are shaping investment decisions. Additionally, state-led digital initiatives in countries like Romania and North Macedonia aim to bridge the connectivity gap in rural and remote areas.
Trend 6: The role of hyperscalers & data centres
The presence of hyperscalers such as Microsoft, Google, and AWS is growing in SEE, driving demand for regional data centres and edge computing facilities. Cities like Athens, Sofia, and Belgrade are emerging as key data centre hubs, attracting investment from global cloud providers. This trend is accelerating the shift toward a more decentralized internet infrastructure in the region.
Trend 7: The impact of geopolitics on connectivity
Geopolitical factors continue to influence network strategies in SEE. The ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict has reshaped traffic flows, with a greater emphasis on alternative transit routes. Turkey is playing an increasingly important role as a connectivity gateway between Europe and Asia, while economic and political shifts within the EU are affecting telecom regulations and investment dynamics.
What does this mean and how will it influence the future of the internet in the region?
As South-Eastern Europe cements its position as a critical link in the global digital economy, the region’s internet community faces both opportunities and challenges. Investment in infrastructure, evolving policy frameworks, and strategic collaborations will define the next phase of growth. Whether through expanded peering, hyperscaler partnerships, or regulatory reform, SEE is set to become an increasingly influential player in the broader European and global connectivity ecosystem.
If you’d like to discuss more about the emerging trends in SEE, and how we see dark fibre playing a role, reach out to sales@yafibr.com.