Orange France's Troubles with Optical Fiber Deployment, Unveiled
Regulator imposes penalty on Orange for improper rollout of optical fibre network
In the telecom world, Orange France, a prominent player, has landed itself in hot water. According to recent reports, the French telecommunications regulator, ARCEP, has accused Orange of failing to comply with commitments related to the deployment of optical fiber networks. This allegation concerns medium-sized cities and suburban areas, where Orange is responsible for internet connections.
Talking Points: Optical fiber: The Truth about Orange's Commitments and ARCEP's Watchful Eye
Over a year ago, Orange signed an agreement with the government to complete the deployment of fiber in these specific territories. The telecommunications powerhouse agreed to implement a right to connection—enabling any French citizen, upon request, to be connected to the fiber within a six-month limit. However, ARCEP claims that Orange has violated this promise, leaving thousands of connection requests unfulfilled.
Behind the Scenes: The Struggle for Compliance and Regulatory Oversight
ARCEP is expected to soon declare Orange in default of its commitments. Failure to comply could result in fines in the future. As the end of 2030 approaches, copper networks will be phasing out, and ARCEP remains vigilant in ensuring the progress of the completeness of the optical fiber network.
Context Matters: navigating the complex landscape of network deployment
Orange France is subject to regulatory obligations concerning the deployment of fiber networks across the country. ARCEP imposes an obligation of completeness, requiring operators to guarantee that all households and businesses in a given area can connect to the fiber network within a reasonable timeframe. This mandate is especially stringent in less populated regions, where achieving full coverage is more challenging.
By the end of 2024, 91% of premises in France were eligible to connect to FttH networks, with 40.6 million households covered and 24.4 million already subscribed to a fiber plan. Despite this progress, around 4 million premises remained unconnected at that time.
The switch-off of the copper network is ongoing, with Orange’s copper switch-off plan entering its industrial stage, set for completion by 2030. Challenges in achieving full compliance include rural areas, administrative hurdles, and phasing out the copper network while seamlessly transitioning users to fiber. European countries are also pushing for gigabit connectivity, with France leading the EU in fiber socket deployment, but penetration rates remain a focus. The priority is shifting from network build-out to optimizing business models and improving customer experience.
Key Facts:
- Obligation of Completeness: Deploy to all eligible premises within a reasonable timeframe; monitor unconnectable premises
- Regulatory Authority: Arcep (French regulator)
- Coverage Status (2024): 91% eligible, 4 million premises unconnected
- Legacy Network Phase-Out: Copper switch-off in progress, targeted for completion by 2030
- Common Compliance Issues: rural coverage, administrative barriers, subscriber adoption, copper decommissioning
In the Spotlight: Orange France's Dilemma and the Road Ahead
Orange France must swiftly address its shortcomings to meet the Arcep’s completeness obligation, especially in rural and hard-to-reach areas. Overcoming administrative barriers and ensuring a smooth transition from copper to fiber are essential to achieving compliance and catering to all users.
- The alleged failure of Orange France to comply with its commitments regarding the deployment of optical fiber networks in specific territories has drawn the attention of the French telecommunications regulator, ARCEP, putting pressure on the industry giant.
- Having agreed to implement a 'right to connection', allowing any French citizen to be connected to the fiber network within a six-month limit, Orange now faces accusations of violating this promise, leaving thousands of connection requests unfulfilled.
- The looming threat of fines could follow if Orange France fails to comply with ARCEP's obligations concerning the deployment of fiber networks across the country, as the regulator imposes an 'obligation of completeness', demanding operators to guarantee that all households and businesses can connect to the fiber network within a reasonable timeframe.
- The telecommunications industry is, therefore, closely observing the situation unfolding between Orange France and ARCEP, as the company navigates the complex landscape of network deployment to ensure full compliance and cater to all users by 2030, while addressing common compliance issues like rural coverage, administrative hurdles, subscriber adoption, and copper decommissioning.
