Banque des Territoires acquires a 30% stake in Anjou Fibre, a subsidiary of digital infrastructure operator TDF. The aim of this investment is to support the rollout of very high-speed broadband (VHS) in low-density areas of Maine-et-Loire.
The Anjou Fibre project company was formed in February 2018 to deploy, operate and market the fiber optic network in this territory under a public service delegation.
TDF, a "neutral and open" infrastructure operator
In February 2018, following a tender process lasting several months, the Syndicat Mixte Ouvert Anjou Numérique awarded TDF the Public Initiative Network (RIP) for the Maine-et-Loire department. Over a five-year period, this project will provide access to the whole of the department's public initiative zone, representing more than 220,000 outlets, in order to provide residents and businesses with very high-speed Internet access.
Prior to the Maine-et-Loire RIP, TDF was awarded the AMEI contract in Yvelines (110,000 outlets), as well as public service delegations in Val d'Oise (85,000 outlets) and Val de Loire (300,000 outlets).
These successes position the company in the fiber market, validating its strategy of providing ultra-high-speed broadband coverage to rural areas.
The Banque des Territoires pour le THD includes 53 public-initiative networks
Banque des Territoires is mobilizing all its resources to bring very high-speed broadband coverage to all areas, especially rural and sparsely populated ones, and in particular is investing as a minority shareholder in digital infrastructure and services projects. Working alongside public-sector players and manufacturers, it contributes to regional development, serving citizens and businesses alike. By investing in Anjou Fibre, Banque des Territoires is now supporting the development of 53 Réseaux d'Initiative Publique (RIP).
Olivier Huart, Chairman and CEO of the TDF Group, comments: " In the context of the accelerated digital coverage of the regions, as called for by the public authorities, I am delighted to see the strengthening of relations between TDF, the historic operator of digital infrastructures, and the Banque des Territoires, which supports the investment projects of local authorities. We can now offer them a complete solution combining industrial performance, local presence and long-term support. Anjou Fibre's two shareholders, TDF and Banque des Territoires, will invest more than 200 million euros over the next few years to ensure the success of this project.
Olivier Sichel, Director of Banque des Territoires, comments: " Ultra-high-speed broadband is a priority, in cities and rural areas alike. Our strengthened partnership with TDF is further proof of our support for the RIP operator sector. In the name of the general interest, La Banque des Territoires is committed to making our regions more attractive, inclusive and connected.
This new agreement strengthens the partnership between TDF and Banque des Territoires, notably initiated with Belvédère. This joint venture is dedicated to the deployment of coverage solutions for mobile white zones. It has been consolidated with the entry of Banque des Territoires into the capital of TDF subsidiaries Val d'Oise Fibre (February 2018) and Val de Loire Fibre (September 2018), in charge of deploying optical fiber on the Réseaux d'Initiative Publique (RIP) in Val d'Oise, Indre-et-Loire and Loir-et-Cher.