Science & Tech · Big Tech & Internet · 13 hrs ago
France’s fibre rollout nears completion, but final connections remain difficult
France began a national programme to install fibre-optic internet in 2013.
The technology is faster than the older telephone and ADSL networks.
The programme has involved at least 36 billion euros in public and private investment, and fibre is now available to more than 95% of the population.
That is close to the government’s promised goal of widespread access by 2025.
But completing the rollout is proving difficult because some homes still need connections, rural networks are costly, and some installations have defects.
Local officials, telecom operators and industry groups discussed the programme at a gathering in Pau in October.
The remaining work raises questions about whether the rollout can be completed as planned.
France’s national fibre-optic rollout has made the technology accessible to more than 95% of the population.
The programme, launched in 2013, has involved at least €36 billion in public and private investment.
The final stage faces difficulties connecting remaining homes, the cost of rural networks and concerns about poor workmanship.
Telecoms representatives and local officials gathered in Pau on 7 and 8 October to discuss the programme.
- Who
- French telecom operators, local officials and industry representatives are involved.
- What
- France’s national fibre-optic rollout is nearing completion, but final connections remain difficult.
- When
- The programme launched in 2013; the sector gathering took place on 7 and 8 October.
- Where
- France, with the gathering held in Pau.
- Why
- The programme aims to make fibre-optic internet access widely available.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
success
Pau began converting to fibre-optic technology.
France launched its national fibre-optic rollout programme.
A France Stratégie report said the programme had mobilised at least €36 billion in public and private investment.
Telecoms representatives and local officials gathered in Pau to discuss the digital transition.
- Population access
- More than 95% of French people
- Investment
- At least €36 billion
- Programme launch
- 2013
- Early fibre adoption
- Pau, from 2003
- Sector gathering
- Pau, 7–8 October
Sources
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