The coverage and quality of mobile networks is a major challenge for the opening-up and economic development of the French overseas territories. In French Guiana, mobile coverage across the entire territory needs to be accelerated. While the population is largely covered by mobile telecoms services (between 92% and 96%), over 90% of the territory is not covered by any mobile service at all, including 25% on the main roads through the Amazon rainforest.
To meet these challenges and the high costs of deploying and maintaining the passive infrastructure needed to roll out mobile networks in this ultra-marine territory, the Direction Générale des Entreprises (DGE), the Ministry of Overseas France and the Agence Nationale de la Cohésion des Territoires (ANCT) launched a call for projects in January 2024 to award a grant of up to €10M for an overall project that best meets the digital development needs of the Guyanese territory.
TDF, a leading industrial partner in this sector, with the support of the Banque des Territoires, has presented an ambitious project to build 22 sites that will provide coverage in areas where operators are required to provide coverage, particularly on the national road network. The sites have been selected taking into account the regulatory framework and the current state of mobile coverage in French Guiana. These infrastructures will be offered to mobile telecoms operators under fair market pricing conditions, while respecting operators' coverage obligations and the interests of the territory.
TDF has officially been designated the winner of the call for projects, and has asked the Collectivité Territoriale de Guyane to set up, with the Banque des Territoires, a company known as "Loi Pintat", which will carry the investments required to complete the project.
In a unanimous resolution passed at its plenary meeting on April 17, 2025, the Collectivité Territoriale de Guyane undertook to support this project by acquiring a stake in the company that will be set up to build, operate and maintain the passive infrastructure designed to house the mobile operators' radio equipment.
As soon as the agreement has been signed with the French government, the company will be created, and the first infrastructure construction work will begin before the end of the year. Work will then be spread over 4 years, depending on administrative authorizations, negotiations with operators and technical and operational constraints. Coverage will be significantly improved on strategic roads such as the RN1, RN2, RD50 and RD6, as well as in population catchment areas.
On the occasion of the spring TRIP Avicca, TDF, Banque des Territoires and Collectivité Territoriale de Guyane signed a memorandum of understanding to officially launch the project, in the presence of government representatives.
"This project will mark an important step towards improving mobile coverage in French Guiana. The needs are real. Guaranteeing equal access to digital services, with particular attention to the most isolated territories, is a strong commitment by the French government to cohesion and competitiveness in overseas France. I salute the commitment of the partners involved.
emphasized the French Minister of State for Overseas France, Manuel Valls.
"I would like to salute the actions undertaken in French Guiana to strengthen mobile coverage, thanks to the commitment of the Collectivité Territoriale de Guyane, the Banque des Territoires and the operator TDF. This is a fine example of what makes network deployment policies successful, namely dialogue and co-construction between the players, and a shared desire to work for the benefit of our fellow citizens".
comments Marc Ferracci, Minister for Industry and Energy.
"By supporting this ambitious project led by TDF and the Banque des Territoires, the Collectivité is pursuing its commitment to reducing the digital divide for all Guyanese, after satellite, fiber optics and soon undersea cable."
comments Marie-Lucienne Rattier, Territorial Councillor - Digital Transformation and Innovation, CTG, and CEO of SPLANG.
"By signing this agreement alongside the Collectivité Territoriale de Guyane, the Banque des Territoires and with the support of the French government, we are taking a new step in the digital development of French Guiana. For 50 years, TDF has been deeply committed to the French overseas territories, and today we are proud to deploy 22 new mobile sites to reinforce connectivity where it is still lacking. This project illustrates our shared desire to act quickly, effectively and sustainably to serve the territories."
comments Karim El Naggar, Managing Director of the TDF Group.
"As early as 2021, as part of its recovery plan, the Banque des Territoires carried out mobile coverage studies with the Collectivité and local players. We are delighted to see the government's call for tenders come to fruition, with the prospect of creating a joint venture combining public and private expertise. This project is part of our efforts to provide all regions with high-quality connectivity. With an equity commitment of several million euros, Banque des Territoires confirms its position as a long-term investor serving the public interest, and as a trusted third party guaranteeing the neutrality of the infrastructure. This support complements all the local projects already carried out and underway by the Antilles-Guyane regional management, to enhance the resilience and competitiveness of the Guyanese territory."
adds Antoine Saintoyant, acting director of Banque des Territoires.