The operator reached a new agreement with the French government to bring coverage to the least populated areas, subject to regulatory approval
Orange and the French government announced they have reached a new agreement on the widespread deployment of fibre by 2025. This agreement includes a proposal for a new commitment by the operator to build out fibre into what is designated as the AMII zones.
These “call for expression of investment interest zones” are the least densely populated areas of France that, commercially speaking, are the least appealing to network builders.
The agreement will shortly be submitted to the French telecoms regulator, ARCEP, for an advisory opinion before being given binding approval by the government.
Speeding up and change
Orange has also committed to speeding up deployment within the AMII zones, pledging tobring fibre to an additional 1.12 million homes by the end of 2025.
Where there are disparities in deployment between different urban areas, additional efforts will be made in areas with the lowest fibre coverage within the boundaries of AMII so that than 140,000 homes be passed by a fibre network by 2024.
Further, Orange is changing the way it manages its deployments in the AMII zone. It will provide on-demand connectivity to all customers who are not eligible for fibre within six months of them requesting it.
This offer will be available until the copper network is shut down and is designed to deliver widespread fibre availability in AMII zones by the end of 2025.
Densification
Orange is committed to continuing deployments in the most densely populated areas, with the aim of making more than 300,000 homes and businesses connectable to a fibre network by 2025. Next year, the Group will conduct a trial of on-demand deployment for its customers in two major cities.
Orange will continue to provide fibre access at a subsidised rate for eligible households until at least 2027. This Coup de Pouce (Helping Hand) offers low-income households a no-commitment package that includes Internet, TV and phone access, a refurbished laptop and digital coaching.
Christel Heydemann, CEO of Orange Group, commented,”After making a major contribution to the success of the France Très Haut Débit plan (France’s superfast broadband plan) in 2022, Orange is once again working with the government to ensure the widespread deployment of fibre by 2025.
“Having already covered 21 million of the 36 million eligible premises in France, we’re determined to make this major project a national success, benefiting as many people as possible. I want to thank all Orange teams and partners contributing to the success of this major industrial project.”