Optical Fibre

In late 2025, in accordance with the European Electronic Communications Code, Arcep held a public consultation on a draft assessment of the results achieved by the regulatory framework governing optical fibre (FttH) networks in France, with respect to the goals set for Europe. At the outcome of this consultation, and after having examined the contributions it received, on 10 February 2026, Arcep notified its evaluation to the European Commission. After having examined this evaluation of the regulatory framework and stakeholders’ contributions, the European Commission declared that it had no additional comments on the notified document.

An evaluation that notes that the regulatory framework helped achieve the targets set by the European Union and must be maintained

In its evaluation, Arcep describes the “symmetric” regulatory framework for FttH networks that has been in place since 2009[1]. The Authority stresses that this framework, combined with the “Plan France Très Haut Débit” superfast broadband scheme, helped foster massive investments in optical fibre networks. Estimated at close to 50 billion euros[2], these private and public-sector investments made it possible to achieve the targets set by the European Union for electronic communications. The framework also made it possible to develop innovation and connectivity through access to very high capacity networks, while guaranteeing effective competition that benefits consumers. 

The Authority’s evaluation also states that it is vital to maintain this framework in order to continue to foster investment in FttH networks, to complete their deployment, guarantee their operational maintenance and to maintain fair and effective competition in the sector. In addition, Arcep delivered a reminder that investments in FttH in France are based on the asymmetric regulation governing the civil engineering owned by incumbent carrier, Orange. 

The evaluation of the regulatory framework is largely shared by the sector’s stakeholders, and its examination did not elicit any additional comments from the European Commission

On the whole, and as pointed out by the European Commission, stakeholders largely approved of the assessment of the regulatory framework that Arcep presented, and stressed the need to maintain it.

After having examined the evaluation and the stakeholder contributions provided by Arcep, the Commission stated that it had “no comments” that would challenge the analysis submitted. It also underscored that, “on the whole, stakeholders largely approve Arcep’s positive assessment of the symmetric regulatory framework,” and that multiple stakeholders “explicitly stressed the fact that it is vital to maintain a stable symmetric regulatory framework to safeguard the continuity of investments in FttH networks”.

This opinion from the European Commission shores up the relevance of France’s regulatory framework for the coming years.

Associated documents

• Final version of the evaluation (in French)
• European Commission Opinion on the evaluation (in French)
• Stakeholder contributions to the public consultation (public version) (zip – 4.89 Mb)