Orange moves forward with French fibre plans

Orange is aiming to reach 100% fibre deployment in nine new French cities by the end of 2016, as part of its ambitious multi-billion high-speed broadband plan. 

The French mobile operator said that Bayonne, Brest, Caen, Lyon, greater Lille, Metz, Montpellier, Nice and Paris will become “100% fibre” cities.

“100% Fibre means a seamless multiple-screen and multiple-usage experience. This means access to a new level of data sharing and immersive entertainment services using 100% future-oriented technology compatible with new uses (streaming and 4K screens, high-definition sound, 360° cameras, etc),” said Orange.

The plan is part of a €4.5 billion fibre investment scheme by Orange, of which €3 billion will be spent in France.

Orange said that the aim of this programme is to go from 4 million connectable households in April 2015 to 12 million in 2018, and 20 million in 2022 – the final year of France’s very high-speed broadband plan.

Orange said it plans to deploy fibre in 3,600 communities by 2022, covering all of France’s large and medium-sized cities, or nearly 60% of French households.