Vivendi

Arnaud Lucaussy, Director of Regulation and Economics, SFR (ASDR 2008)

« SFR is continuing the deployment of its mobile and fixed networks, an essential dynamic for territorial development. In July 2003 SFR signed a national convention extending mobile telephony to more than 3,000 municipalities located in rural areas for a total cost of 600 million euros, 150 million of which was disbursed by SFR. This program enables towns and villages with a population density of approximately 13 inhabitants per sq. km. (an average of 112 inhabitants in France) to access nearly all 2G services. With more than 1,800 out-of-coverage areas opened to service as of year-end 2008 and 2,800 towns covered, the program contributes to the development of the local economic fabric – for example by calling on contractors with local presence for the construction of the sites. The deployment also encourages the emergence of tourism and business zones that contribute to the competitiveness of these areas.
SFR also signed a nationwide agreement in February 2007 for covering priority transportation routes, thus contributing to ending the isolation of rural communities. As for fixed-line telephony, LD Collectivités is involved in extending DSL service to out-of-coverage areas in partnership with local governments. By building and operating public-initiative networks, LD Collectivités contributes to the economic development of territories and to the emergence of competition through the installation of fiber optics in business zones. At year-end 2008, LD Collectivités managed 17 Public Service Delegations, with over 7,000 km. of infrastructures built. »