The French Approach

An Alternative Model for Broadband Deployment

Publication Date	September 2009
Publisher	Ovum
Product Type	Report
Pages	17
ISBN Number	not applicable
Product Code	OVM00949

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Summary

Over the last five years, France has seen widespread deployment of alternative broadband networks in less densely populated areas. Strong promotion of digital development, primarily at a regional and local level but facilitated by national legislative and regulatory measures, has led to the emergence of a viable alternative to the incumbent-owned network and the creation of a competitive wholesale market. These public initiative networks (PINs), funded by a combination of public and private investment, have brought tangible benefits to France by extending broadband availability, stimulating competition and investment, and connecting businesses and the public sector.

Content

Executive summary
In a nutshell
Ovum view
Key messages
Why intervene? Broadband availability is not the sole issue
Effective intervention requires a robust framework
Localised digital ambitions are key to political buy-in
Co-funding: an effective investment stimulus
Build it and they will come: selectively applicable
Consumer ISP choice: greater coverage for national ISPs
A technology-neutral approach is key
The backdrop to public intervention in broadband
Broadband on the back burner: a lack of infrastructure
Broadband as economic enabler
A legislative catalyst
The emergence of an alternative model
Framework
The DSP model
DSP and broadband: new powers for authorities
The options
Financing
The supply landscape
Significant scale in a short amount of time
Spurring the development of a competitive supply landscape
Examples of network deployments
Attracting private investment: making the business case
Public intervention has built solid foundations
A clear roadmap for investment and co-investment
A long-term view of investment by infrastructure players
Five key drivers for building an effective investment case
Creating wholesale services that evolve over time
Technology mix: from WiMAX to FTTH
The PIN scorecard: more hits than misses
A viable alternative
Instrumental in backhaul
Extending broadband availability
Better broadband for businesses
Connecting businesses
Cheaper access for SMEs: an emerging trend?
Connecting the public sector
Consumer broadband: a more limited impact
List of Tables
- Table 1: PIN deployments
- Table 2: List of main delegates for PINs
- Table 3: Examples of network rollouts
- Table 4: Impact of PINs on expanding DSL availability in selected French regions
- Table 5: Selected regions with alternative operators offering consumer broadband utilising PINs
List of Figures
- Figure 1: Levels of engagement/investment for delegates
- Figure 2: Five key drivers for an effective investment case