COVID-19: slowing down the deployment of fibre optics in France

As a result of the current health crisis in the country, many sectors of activity are slowing down. With the Covid-19, the players in telecommunications services are not spared. Whether it is fixed or mobile telephony, the various stakeholders face major difficulties. Containment measures, which require undertakings with non-essential activities to stop, have already perceptible consequences. As regards compliance with the requirements dictated by Arcep in terms of the progress of the [deployment of optical fibre](https://cartefibre.arcep.fr/), the country’s general paralysis already suggests further delays. According to some operators, including SFR via its representative Patrick Drahi, a deficit of a few months is expected. With [more than 3000 short-time workers](https://www.lefigaro.fr/secteur/high-tech/telecoms-sfr-prevoit-des-retards-dans-le-deploiement-de-la-fibre-en-france-20200325), the red square operator cannot stick to the Arcep forecast. With regard to the infrastructure already in place, the latter are also under severe strain. With teleworking adopted by many companies, the fixed internet network is being sought from all sides. As the Arcep recalls, however, some precautions allow [teleworking under the best conditions](https://www.arcep.fr/demarches-et-services/utilisateurs/teletravail-et-connexion-internet.html).