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The purpose of this paper is to examine the factors that may have contributed to different levels of very high-capacity network (VHCN) coverage, with a particular focus on the role of regulation and State aid.

A comparative empirical study based on multiple case studies was conducted in France, Portugal, Spain and the UK.

Although France, Portugal and Spain initially adopted similar regulatory strategies for VHCN deployment, the outcomes differed significantly. The UK, with a more demanding regulation, achieved a residual coverage. This study highlights the importance of the regulatory approach to VHCN access in balancing private and public investment and emphasizes the importance of State aid in the policy agenda for nationwide VHCN deployment projects.

Research on complex phenomena, such as the impact of regulation on investment or the effectiveness of State aid procedures, may focus on specific events to the detriment of others, which could bias the results.

The findings of this study provide insights for policymakers involved in State aid decisions and regulators by understanding the importance of timely State aid interventions, efficient governance and the impact of regulation on investment incentives.

This paper extends the literature on the impact of regulation on investment incentives and State aid as a tool to complement private investment for VHCN deployment through in-depth case studies.