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Insight Prysmian Magazine

Arcep supports legacy copper network to fibre transition

Arcep has commented on the far-reaching consequences of Orange’s plans to shut down its copper network. Regulatory framework changes should stimulate a direct migration from PSTN to fibre. Arcep believes Orange should coordinate roadmaps for copper network switch-off and PSTN shutdown projects. Regulatory decisions, expected next year, will change Orange’s historic position.

The current target is to achieve a complete switchover from copper to fibre within ten years. Across France, Orange is preparing to decommission its legacy copper network in planned phases, in order to support the transition to fibre. After a pilot phase, this will start in 2023 and should be completed by 2030.

Arcep intends to oversee this transition in the public sector, to ensure it moves along at the right speed, protecting users’ interests as well as competition. Arcep will be supporting Orange in phasing out the copper network and, in the process, encourage operators to switch to fibre where available, while taking a non-discriminatory approach and remaining clear and transparent. To achieve the switchover, Orange must coordinate the timetable for the PSTN’s technical switch-off and the legacy copper network’s switch-off, and support operators’ migration to copper wherever this is inevitable. During this gradual network shutdown, it remains vital to maintain conditions for fair competition – particularly with respect to quality of service and the pricing.

Arcep has not yet received a detailed timetable for the switch-off and procedure for realizing this from Orange. The regulator is pressing for a detailed plan so they can examine further adjustments, such as shorter timelines. To incentivise the market, Arcep is also planning on introducing a clause in the pricing framework governing unbundling, which would make it possible to increase unbundling prices if the future plan guarantees an ambitious switch-off plan and timetable.

Download the document here (in French)