Orange plans to invest 3 billion euros in France to expand its fiber reach to 4 million connectable households in April 2015, 12 million in 2018, and 20 million in 2022.
The 3 billion euros investment is part of the 4.5 billion euros the Orange Group has set aside for fiber.
Orange plans to deploy fiber in 3,600 communes by 2022 from over 530 French communes. Nearly 400 are located outside dense areas. This programme covers all of France’s large and medium-sized cities, or nearly 60 percent of French households.
Where fiber will not be deployed in the medium term, Orange is offering alternative solutions to increase broadband speeds and facilitate the movement towards high-speed broadband.
Orange will work with local authorities on the modernization of its copper network as well as on other solutions such as satellite access.
Orange is aiming for complete coverage in nine new cities by the end of 2016.
From May 2015, in all towns and cities offering 100 percent fiber coverage or in areas where fiber has already been installed, Orange will systematically offer eligible mass market customers access to a fiber offer for a new customer or an upgrade to a fiber service for existing customers who want to change their offer.
Orange offers coverage map compatible with computers, tablets and smartphones on its site.
Baburajan K
editor@telecomlead.com
