Home5G & BeyondOrange ends talks on network-sharing with Free

Orange ends talks on network-sharing with Free

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Franceโ€™s largest operator cites โ€œdivergence in deployment strategyโ€ as the reason.

Orange is Franceโ€™s largest mobile operator, while Free is the brand name of Iliad group which was founded by the somewhat controversial billionaire Xavier Niel and has proved a disruptor in the French (and Italian) markets.

After the 5G spectrum auction in France that took place last October, Orange and Free had discussions about a mobile network-sharing agreement in France.

Quality and fibre

In a statement, Orange said, โ€œGiven a divergence in deployment strategy, Orange has decided to end these discussions.

โ€œFor Orange, the quality of its networks is a priority. Its mobile network in France was ranked best mobile network in France for the tenth consecutive year by [regulator] ARCEP.

โ€œThe Group is also fully committed to the deployment of fibre in France, providing two-thirds of the 24 million connectable homes that have already been built.โ€

Last week Orange sold some of its rural fibre infrastructure, apparently as part of its strategy to speed fibre deployment.

Free/Iliad is yet to comment.