Free to deploy FTTH in Paris

bealtine

Published: Monday 11 September 2006 | 08:47 AM CET


French ISP Free has announced that it plans to deploy an FTTH local loop. Each home in the geographical areas concerned will be connected through a dedicated optical fibre link for its multimedia applications such as multi-device HD TV. The company said the move would allow it to gain full independence from France Telecom. The fibre project is in line with the Paris local government's aim of developing very high speed internet access in the French capital, the "Paris – Digital City" initiative. The company intends to start offering its FTTH service in Paris in the first half of next year, before extending it progressively to suburban towns and certain neighbourhoods in provincial cities. Free expects to invest EUR 1 billion in the project through 2012, funded through the group's cash position and cash flows from existing businesses. More than 10 million French customers, representing over 4 million connection points, will be eligible by 2012. Target areas will be where Freebox user density is highest, with over 15 percent penetration in the fixed line market. The company said it would automatically migrate its Freebox customers to Freebox Optical at no extra cost. Subscribers will pay EUR 29.99 per month for the optical fibre link, including 50 Mbps access, unlimited calls to French fixed phone numbers and some international destinations, HD TV, and the Freebox Optical terminal. A wide range of optional services will also be offered. Free also said that it would offer all residents of buildings connected by the FTTH service a subscription-less phone line, calls to emergency and social services, low bandwidth internet access and e-mail and access to free DTT channels.

Urban Weigl

I think you'll find that we can already match that.

skywalker

bealtine wrote:

Subscribers will pay EUR 29.99 per month for the optical fibre link, including 50 Mbps access, unlimited calls to French fixed phone numbers and some international destinations, HD TV, and the Freebox Optical terminal.

We can match that can we?

bealtine

Urban Weigl wrote:

I think you'll find that we can already match that.

I see, now why didnt I think of that...

Also with VSAT we can have nationwide coverage too...

Ponster

Ahhh, as a current Freebox customer it'll be interesting to see when/if this happens, though so far Free have been the front-runners when it comes to new ideas.

At the moment we pay €29.99 for 25Mb/1Mb and the HDTV and free calls (all of Europe and USA).