France Begins Phasing Out Copper Network, Starting with 164 Communities
The nationwide transition to fiber optic technology will see the copper network fully decommissioned by 2030, with initial disconnections starting January 31, 2025.
- The shutdown of the copper network begins this Friday, affecting 164 French communities in the first phase of the transition to fiber optics.
- Orange, the operator overseeing the process, plans to complete the nationwide phase-out of copper by 2030, with seven stages of disconnection.
- Residents and businesses already using fiber will see no disruption, while those still on copper-based services like ADSL will lose connectivity unless they switch.
- The copper network, in use since the 1970s, is being replaced due to its obsolescence and the superior speed, stability, and energy efficiency of fiber optics.
- By the end of 2024, 90% of French homes were fiber-ready, with 73% of internet subscriptions already on fiber, reflecting significant progress in the transition.
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Ouest-France 