Very High Speed ​​Observatory 2019: The industry meets the France THD plan

If there remains the benchmark in terms of observation, with a national step back on the main criteria (number of takes, job-integration, ...), associated with a long-term vision in terms of digital infrastructure, the observatory was further enriched this year with the measurement of key data: the number of aerial supports to be mobilized to meet the objectives in the Public Initiative Networks and above all, precise quantification of the "Remains to be done" (beyond 2022) in the light of new market assumptions (AMEL, latest RIP signatures, ...).

Bet met for the sector

“The industry is well suited to the France Very High Speed ​​plan. It took a few years for it to industrialize, but here we are! By 2022, we will collectively have reached the goal of more than 80% of fiber-optic premises in our country ” rejoiced Etienne Dugas, President of InfraNum.

On the construction side, in accordance with the wishes of the President of the Republic, it has been able to accelerate since the milestone of 4 million FTTH sockets produced per year should be crossed this year (progression from 2,6 to 4,3 million in 2 years).

With the specter of fiber scarcity now aside, manufacturers are also focusing their efforts on increasing the strength of their teams. If 2019 must be a record year in terms of recruitment to meet deployment commitments (6400 new employees, 2,5 times more than last year), forecasts are optimistic with occupancy rates in training centers still never equaled.

In terms of the marketing of offers, the RIP model has managed to create conditions favorable to the exercise of local operators, who have instilled a real dynamic in these areas compared to private areas. 2020 will see the impact of the gradual arrival of OCENs in 2019.

However, apart from in the RIP areas, the digitalization of SMEs is still struggling with only 16% of companies with less than 50 employees connected to fiber (without significant progress over the years).

As for communities, they confirm adopting a long-term vision in their approaches to Smart Territories. If remarkable examples are already at work and launched the discussions of the round table, InfraNum and Avicca insist on the need for support, in particular on the aspects of data governance and pooling of initiatives which must be addressed at the minimum scale of intermunicipal co-operation.

Vigilance beyond 2022

“Given the latest signatures from RIP and assuming that all current AMEL requests find a favorable outcome, the number of sockets to be connected in THD beyond 2022 is estimated at 6,4 million (including 2,2 millions will need a technological mix - THD radio and satellite) " said Pierre-Michel Attali, Vice-president of InfraNum and director of the Idate cabinet.

Among these 6,4 million catches, at least 3 have not yet found funding (a net decrease since it was estimated at 6 million last year). "These sockets, the most difficult to connect, could cost 5,715 billion euros, including 800 million State funds (significantly less than the forecasts made in 2017)" specifies Etienne Dugas.

Knowing moreover that the deployments will not stop on this date (densification is to be expected to meet the new locations), InfraNum and Avicca have not ceased to call for a priority reopening of the RIP funding window.

An appeal heard by Julien Denormandie, Minister to the Minister for Territorial Cohesion and Relations with Local Authorities who, if he confirmed the end of the AMEL procedures on June 15, undertook to study the methods of funding this "Remains to be done" now accurately encrypted.

The Observatory concludes on the significant catch-up of France in terms of THD. By 2025, it could become the European leader. "The expertise acquired must be valued and used for the international development of the entire sector to ensure its sustainability and that of these many employees" proclaims Etienne Dugas. And for that it intends to rely largely on the Strategic Committee of the Sector (CSF) tool and the State.