Mayotte: The Authority Orders Orange to Halt Its Fiber Deployment

Orange has begun deploying a fiber-optic network in these five communes without consulting Mayotte THD. The Authority fears that this project could compromise the financial viability of the planned public service delegation (DSP) to cover the entire territory, thus threatening less dense areas.

According to estimates reported by the Authority, these five municipalities account for nearly 70% of the expected revenues from the public network. This financial vulnerability also threatens the rollout in twelve other municipalities where Orange has not installed its own network. These areas represent approximately 42% of the population and businesses in Mayotte.

The Authority ordered Orange to stop all commercial activity in areas that are not yet equipped, as well as soliciting other operators in these markets. It also asks the group to provide a status report on existing fiber and copper networks to local authorities.

Emmanuel André, general director of Mayotte THD, said: "The next two months are crucial for the public service delegation."

This decision is temporary until the Authority rules definitively on the merits of the case. Orange can request its revision if a mutual deployment agreement or delays in the public network justify such a request.