Following a public tender launched in 2016 attracting a number of bids, the Val d’Oise Open Mixed Digital Syndicate announced it had selected TDF to install, operate and market a Very High Speed optical fiber network. This is an initial success for the new TDF fiber facility operator, confirming its ambitious choice to invest fully in this market, while combining public and private investment to ramp up its digital network facilities throughout France.
VAL D’OISE: VERY HIGH SPEED INTERNET FOR PEOPLE LIVING IN SPARSELY POPULATED AREAS
Following the tender lasting several months under a public service initiative, TDF has come away with a contract to roll out, operate and market an optical fiber network throughout Val d’Oise.
The project involves producing about 85,000 fiber outlets over the next three years in 116 communities, providing inhabitants with VHS Internet facilities in homes and business premises.
The company will invest some €100 million for this new digital facility.
For inhabitants, government agencies and businesses in the communities concerned, the advent of fiber networks will provide more reliable and faster internet with data flows of up to date to 1 Gigabyte per second.
Network access will be installed progressively, with the first homes getting fiber outlets in 2017.
FIBER: TDF’S NEW GOAL FOR ITS DIGITAL NETWORKS
The successful Val d’Oise bid is TDF’s first ever public service initiative contract. Optical fiber is now the third pillar in the Group’s development strategy alongside media and telecoms services.
With the support of its new shareholders, TDF aims to become an important player in France’s VHS networks.
Some 40 tenders are expected over the coming three years.
Olivier Huart, Group CEO, said “We’re just taking TDF’s first steps in optical fiber, and our success in Val d’Oise shows that we are a serious and competitive alternative choice. The Val d’Oise Syndicate decision gives us a boost to become the no. 1 open and impartial firm that local authorities can rely on. In every region of France, TDF has served local authorities over many years, providing world-class digital services. We shall continue to fulfill this task while adding expertise in optical fiber networks.”
Arnaud Bazin, President of the Val d’Oise County Council, said: “Ultra high speed broadband is something where a government agency can make real life improvements to the economy, education, social exclusion, culture, tourism, leisure and daily relations with residents in the county. Optical fiber epitomizes economic, social and human progress. The county has taken a bold and novel decision to set up a new public network led by TDF. We are currently building Val d’Oise 3.0, our future system.”
Pierre-Edouard Eon, Chairman of Val d’Oise Digital, added: “This Val d’Oise Digital facilities management initiative will also primarily involve local firms training our people in fiber based jobs, which are crucial for the local economy. TDF has further pledged to locate its future national optical fiber center of excellence in Val d’Oise.”