As part of the France Superfast Broadband Plan (Plan France très haut débit - PFTHD) launched in 2013, the Government announced in 2020 that fibre optics would be rolled out nationwide by 2025. The Senate Finance Committee has referred the matter to the financial authorities for an assessment of the roll-out, particularly in terms of public support, effective access to the network and the link with the closure of the copper network. As a result, fibre optics will soon become the benchmark fixed telecommunications infrastructure in France. Despite regional disparities, the roll-out of fibre seems rapidly achievable in most areas. On the other hand, connections are slowing down in some major conurbations where, at this stage, the regulator has no binding powers. In addition, the funding model for public-initiative networks needs to be updated to ensure its sustainability. Finally, service quality for users and the resilience of fibre optic networks must become new priorities, calling for greater mobilisation of public players.
