2023-11-09 09:46:00
The government knows it well: this technological shift raises its share of questions and concerns. France is gradually swapping its historic copper network (first used for telephone, then ADSL) for an optical fiber network, allowing very high-speed Internet connection. This new infrastructure, deployed over ten years with tens of billions of euros, will become the basis of all digital life in the country for the coming decades.
In this area, France is one of the most advanced countries in the world. No less than 86% of individuals can already be connected to this technology. As recalled by Jean-Noël Barrot, the Minister Delegate in charge of Digital, on November 7, the objective is that all people and companies who wish can benefit from it by 2025. And this, in accordance with to Emmanuel Macron’s promise.
Many French people worried
The most tech-savvy French people living in big cities have already, for the most part, switched to fiber. But many fear this technological revolution. Some do not see the benefit of abandoning ADSL, or are reluctant to change. Others, once more, fear seeing their connection cut on the copper network – to the extent that Orange is starting to turn off this infrastructure -, or of not being eligible for fiber. These concerns, sometimes very serious given the importance of the Internet in daily life, go back to mayors. They sometimes struggle to provide answers. This is precisely why the government has just launched the platform trèshautdebit.gouv.fr.
Hosted on the website of the Ministry of Economy and Finance, this site intends to answer all the questions of individuals, businesses, and local elected officials, as announced by Thomas Courbe, the head of the General Directorate of companies (DGE), this Thursday, November 9 on X (formerly Twitter). A tab first concerns individuals. They are particularly invited to “anticipate as early as possible” the closure of the copper network when their municipality will be affected.
« If your choice is fiber, [il faudra] carry out the work necessary for the connection within your home to allow its arrival”recalls the platform.
Digitizing SMEs
Businesses are also affected. The objective is in particular to inform them of the advantages of fiber, of the way in which this technology can make their lives easier, and boost their business. « Fiber makes it possible to use a set of services that improve productivity, for example cloud services », specifies the site, knowing that SMEs in France are still little digitalized. This concerns the DGE, which sees it as a brake on innovation as well as on the country’s competitiveness. Local elected officials will, for their part, be able to find resources to respond to the fears of their constituents, and launch information campaigns – particularly when Orange, the historic operator, closes the copper network.
This platform seems to demonstrate, in all cases, the government’s determination to respect the presidential promise of the “fiber for all”, within two years. During a conference in Paris last Tuesday, Jean-Noël Barrot repeated it: this objective is “at the very top of [sa] job description “. It is in particular to make it a reality that the State concluded, last week, a deal with Orange.
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