A new industry report predicted that by 2014, 50 percent of households in France will subscribe to a triple-play offer as operators invest in FTTH to stay competitive.

 

According to the report, “France: Multiplay Success Drives FTTH Interest,” 30 percent of households in France will subscribe to a triple-play offer by the end of 2009. This number is expected to increase to almost 50 percent by 2014.

 

“Quad-play adoption will] gradually increase to make up 3 percent of households by 2014,” Jan ten Sythoff, EMEA manager at Pyramid Research, said in a statement.

 

This report offers a precise, incisive profile of the country's converged telecommunications, media, and technology sectors. The findings are based on proprietary data from research in the French market.

 

The report provides detailed competitive analysis of both the fixed and mobile sectors, tracks the market shares of technologies and services, and monitors the introduction and spread of new technologies, such as WiMax, IPTV (News - Alert), and VoIP. It analyzes key trends, evaluates near-term opportunities, and assesses upcoming risks factors.

 

The report predicted fixed-mobile convergence will become an increasingly important competitive focus over the next couple of years.

 

“On the fixed side, investments into fiber will be key to maintaining a strong position in the fixed broadband sector; the development of FTTH is a key issue, and ARCEP, the regulator, is promoting cooperation in order to drive FTTH coverage. On the mobile side, competition will increase with the launch of the fourth network, as well as increasing numbers of MVNOs."

 

The entry of DSL and fiber operators has increased Pay-TV competition and content offers and packages are now key differentiators in triple-play bundles,” it said

 

Sythoff said Orange that has begun to sell satellite TV as part of its triple-play packages. This will enable the operator to provide nationwide TV coverage, which was not possible through its DSL network.

 

Cable subscriptions are expected to decline because cable operator Numericable is investing in fiber technology.