He was even allowed with a veritable barrage

The agreement for cooperation in the optical fibre concluded last week between SFR and Neuf Cegetel and Orange is to do so unanimously. He was even allowed with a veritable barrage. The Free competitor, of course in its own negotiations with France Telecom, is obviously not happy. But the regulator (Arcep) telecommunications and consumers UFC-Que choose association are also hostile to the partnership by two large operators. France Telecom leaders were were given a hearing by the end of the week last by Eric Besson, Secretary of State for the development of the digital economy, while those of SFR will be explained soon.

Where is the problem The agreement between the two providers of access to Internet (ISP) deals with technical subjects but that influence the future deployment of the Internet at very high speed. The first problem concerns the point of "sharing", i.e. where the operators will come to connect to the network of the fibre to the building. The place is essential to avoid the creation of monopoly and allow the client to choose freely his ISP.

SFR and Orange decided to meet "as close as possible housing" networks, or even inside buildings in dense areas. A choice that has always defended France Telecom but that is disputed by Free and even by... SFR there are still a few months. "This agreement does not respect the spirit of the law", rebelled Edouard Barreiro of the UFC-Que choose. The law of modernization of economy (LME) indicates that "access is provided under transparent and non-discriminatory conditions at a point outside the boundaries of private property, except in the cases defined by Arcep".

"A real gas plant.

The agreement also provides that it is the operator chosen by the final customer which will be turnout on the step up to the Interior of the home. And this regardless of the operator chosen by the trustee to mount the fiber in floors. "This is also completely contrary to the principle of the Act that the trustees have only a single interlocutor", said a member of Arcep.

If the LME is intended to clarify the conditions for deployment of very high flow in France, Arcep estimates that the agreement between SFR and Orange creates "a real gas plant. The UFC - choose wants to see "France Telecom an attempt to impose its conditions on competitors as well as the Arcep". SFR and Orange say they are "pragmatic" and counter that their agreement is open to all "without technological choices. While the Arcep had left the players to organize among themselves, "it is a stone that we bring to the debate", carefully indicates the historical operator. "We will respect the law and the opinion of Arcep," it adds in SFR.

In a letter to the various players, Eric Besson wants that agreement "including all of the operators" be finalized until late October. Same sound Bell to Arcep, seeking an agreement "that excludes no operator and ensures technological neutrality". All players are called for "a working meeting" on 23 October in Eric Besson. If no comprehensive agreement is found, the Government ask the Arcep set him - even the rules of the game. But to totally ignore the partnership between Orange and SFR, which is already fifteen cities.