French telecom investment recovers in 2011 though service revenue falls
France has the third largest telecoms market in Europe. The incumbent, France Telecom (Orange), is one of the world’s major players with interests in markets across Europe, francophone Africa and the Middle East. Despite market liberalisation, the company still dominates all sectors though increasing competition from a small number of major players (notably SFR and Iliad) has gradually eroded this lead, prompting it to respond with a range of innovative offers and a ‘Conquests 2015’ strategy to meet future customer needs and generate revenue. This has seen further investments in markets where the company has an extant strong position as also an imminent withdrawal from Portugal, Austria and Switzerland where it has struggled to gain market share. It is also investing in a national fibre network, initially in response to the activities of smaller players in this market but now adapted to regulatory measures which encourage collaborative efforts to deliver fibre deeper into rural areas of the country. The mobile sector is dominated by a triopoly of providers with relatively low but steadily increasing MVNO competition, while a new player, Free Mobile, is expected to launch services in early 2012.
The report France – Key Statistics, Telecom Market and Regulatory Overviews introduces the key aspects of France’s telecom market in 2011, providing the latest statistics on the country’s fixed network, an analysis of operator strategies in coming years, and a review of the key regulatory issues including the status of number portability, wholesaling and carrier preselection.
Key developments: Declining fixed-line sector drags telecom revenue down 1.1% in Q1 2011; Vivendi buys out Vodafone’s interest in SFR; FT initiates Conquest 2015 strategy; Iliad secures roaming deal with Orange for 2012 Free Mobile launch; telecom investment recovers from 2009 downturn; service revenue falls 1.1% in Q1 2011 due to contraction of fixed-line sector; FT withdraws from Swiss, Austrian and Portuguese markets; regulator’s market data to Q1 2011; operator data for H1 2011.
For more information see the updated reports:
- France – Fibre and Wireless Broadband Insights;
- France – Broadband Market Insights, Statistics and Forecasts;
- France – Digital Economy and Digital TV – Insights, Statistics and Analysis;
- France – Mobile Market Insights, Statistics and Forecasts;
- France – Mobile Data Services – Insights and Forecasts.
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Tagged in: France, Telecoms investments
