France Nationalizes Alcatel Submarine Networks for Strategic Control

The French government acquires a majority stake in the submarine cable company from Nokia, emphasizing technological sovereignty.

France's Agence des Participations de l'Etat has purchased 80% of Alcatel Submarine Networks (ASN) from Nokia for approximately €100 million.
The acquisition includes assuming ASN's €250 million debt, with Nokia retaining a 20% stake that France may purchase later under undisclosed conditions.
ASN is recognized as a strategic asset, being the sole European manufacturer of fiber optic submarine cables and holding a third of the global market.
The move reverses a decision from 2015 when ASN was sold to Nokia, a transaction now seen as detrimental to France's technological sovereignty.
The acquisition underscores the importance of submarine cables, through which 99% of the world's internet traffic passes, highlighting France's strategic position in the global network.