What do we mean when we talk about the copper network? Why is this historic network being replaced?
The copper network is France’s historic telecommunications infrastructure. It is owned by the operator Orange. The copper network enabled businesses and individuals to access landline telephone services, television, and the internet through copper cables. It supported ADSL, SDSL, and VDSL services.
The copper network is being replaced by fiber optics. This decision is part of a broader effort to modernize telecommunications infrastructure. Orange, the owner of the copper network, announced in 2019 its plan to decommission it. This gradual phase-out began in 2023 and is expected to be completed by 2030.
There are several reasons for replacing copper with fiber optics. The operator notes that copper is more vulnerable to weather conditions and humidity. It is also more energy-intensive, consuming three times more power than fiber. However, the main reason for replacing copper with fiber optics is that the copper network has reached its limits. This legacy infrastructure can no longer meet the growing demand from users. Fiber optics ensure a network that is reliable, modern, and fast.
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The end of the copper network compels businesses to modernize and transition to fiber optics. However, this shift from copper to fiber is beneficial because it delivers much higher performance. Companies can choose between dedicated fiber — FTTO, or fiber to the office — and shared fiber — FTTH, or fiber to the home.
FTTO, or dedicated fiber, provides an exclusive connection for businesses. It guarantees a dedicated point-to-point link. In other words, your company is connected directly to the operator’s network. FTTO connects only your business directly to the operator’s network access point. With FTTO, you benefit from dedicated ultra-high-speed connectivity of up to 10 Gbps and extremely low latency. In the event of a failure, you can also rely on a service restoration time (SLA) of just a few hours.
FTTH is a shared fiber connection. As its name suggests, the bandwidth is shared among users in the same building or neighborhood. Unlike FTTO, the speed is not guaranteed because it depends on the usage of other businesses and individuals connected to the same central office (NRO).
Also read: FTTO, FTTH: what’s the difference?
For the copper network, the countdown has begun. Orange, as the owner of the copper network, announced at the end of 2022 its intention to phase out this technology. The migration to fiber optics—offering better connectivity through ultra-high-speed services—is therefore inevitable. Two key dates should be noted to anticipate this technological transition: the commercial shutdown and the technical shutdown.
The commercial shutdown will take effect in 2025. From that date onward, operators will no longer be able to offer copper lines to their customers. Existing lines may still be used, but it will no longer be possible to subscribe to new copper-based services such as ADSL, SDSL, or VDSL.
As the owner of the copper network, Orange will permanently shut down the local copper loop between 2026 and 2030. To access connected services, it will therefore be necessary to subscribe to a fiber offer. Orange has planned a minimum notice period of 36 months (3 years) before the final shutdown of copper network lines. This three-year period is intended to give businesses and individuals time to connect to the new network.
As a business, it is essential to anticipate the phase-out of the copper network in order to maintain the best possible connectivity. The deployment of fiber optics is now well advanced. Nexloop, as an independent infrastructure operator, provides a network designed to meet companies’ needs for service quality and security.
As of 2023, the Nexloop network already includes more than 17,000 km of fiber optic cables installed across France, including:
The network continues to expand every day, with an average of 500 km of additional fiber optic cable installed each month.
Nexloop offers a network with both national reach and strong local coverage. With the ambition of becoming France’s 3rd largest B2B network, Nexloop already provides connectivity across more than 1,600 municipalities nationwide. Nexloop also operates 50 data centers to stay as close as possible to user needs. Ultimately, Nexloop aims to deliver a national network spanning 31,000 km of fiber optic cables and more than 130 data centers across the country.
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