MuniWireless

France is currently seeing interesting developments in broadband Internet access thanks to a combination of legal and political changes, new projects from municipalities and/or local and regional governments, and also thanks to the rapid uptake of an affordable and competitive ADSL. Moreover, Wi-fi is gaining a foothold and 3.5 GHz licensing just started two weeks ago. France is currently seeing interesting developments in broadband Internet access thanks to a combination of legal and political changes, new projects from municipalities and/or local and regional governments, and also thanks to the rapid uptake of an affordable and competitive ADSL. Moreover, Wi-fi is gaining a foothold and 3.5 GHz licensing just started two weeks ago.

By the end of this year, France will have 8 million Internet subscribers, among which 35% will be through copper ADSL provided by incumbent France Telecom or through unbundling with/from its rival competitor carriers: Free, Neuf Telecom, Club Internet, Tele2, Axione, etc.

Broadband Internet is also provided by cable operators and some wireless local loop (WLL) plus one pre-WiMAX operator. By 2009, France is expected to have 10 million users and over 50% of those will be via broadband.

Municipalities, cities, states, territories and regions are driving the French municipal (wireless and wired) broadband uptake as newly authorized by law. A new article of French “code g?¬©n?¬©ral des communications” passed in June 2004 (law ref code is L-1425-1) gives these public entities the following rights :

1. build, subsidize and develop “passive” telecom infrastructure and provide/transfer them to carriers or independent local users.
2. build open networks on a given territory and provide/transfer them to a territorial carrier.
3. operate open telecommunications networks in respect of regulations.
4. provide telecommunications services to end users.

Major terms, conditions and limitations to those new rights are:

- Prior to launching an initiative, the public entity must show the absence or lack of similar connectivity, access or service from incumbent operator(s) in the territory. Absence or lack of telecom service is so far a “sui generis” process.
- Give proof of lack of service from private sector in the case of above mentioned right n¬?4. A RFI or tender declared void or incomplete will serve as testimony.
- This activity must be carried out independently of any other territorial activities (power generation, water, ducts, etc.) and have separate accounting.
- Network is to be opened and shared.
- New local operator will respect fair, transparent and non-discriminatory business rules.

Detailed information to be found, in French and some in English, on the ARCEP (French regulatory body) webpage : www.arcep.fr

This major change and the strong desire among municipalities to overcome the geo-digital divide has enabled the launch of 30 to 40 major projects from small Provence villages enjoying Wi-Fi or mesh, up to much bigger projects with FTTx and WiMAX in French states or regions such as Limousin, Normandy, Picardie, Corsica or Pyr?©nees Atlantiques.

Another proof of the strong influence of municipal and regional power is the WiMAX licensing starting this month. It will be regional. Mainland France, divided in 22 administrative regions, will then “tender” 2 x 22 spectrum licences at 3.5 GHz. Spectrum will “geo-divided” all over France and one may find pros and cons to the way this tender will be run. No doubt it will give another boost to France muniwireless markets

About the author

Philippe Llau joined TDF a year ago to develop business partnerships in France and Europe with major vendors, multimedia operators and carriers. TDF is the leading broadcast and tower company in France. They serve and provide tower services and broadcast expertise to major European TV, radio channels, wireless and broadband operators. Prior to TDF, Philippe worked for Orange and France Telecom where he held various marketing and operations positions in France, Madagascar and Central America. Prior to that Philippe worked for Meta International, an on-line software house; he lived in Mexico and Thailand (developing home-banking services in Mexico-City and an online directory project in Bangkok).

Philippe holds a Master’s Degree from La Sorbonne Paris University and completed an Executive Program from ESSEC Business School in 2000.

Related posts:

1. France Telecom under administrative investigation
2. Developments in French municipal wireless broadband market
3. Report on the status of Wi-Fi in France