The Autorité de la concurrence has issued its opinion to Arcep as part of the seventh cycle for analyzing the fixed broadband and superfast broadband wholesale markets, covering the period from 2024 to 2028. This opinion addresses the necessary ex-ante interventions and identifies the operator that significantly influences these markets.

This cycle is particularly significant as it coincides with the implementation of Orange's copper network closure plan, which aims for all subscribers to transition to fibre optic networks by 2030. Notably, this cycle will extend the regulatory period from three to five years, despite ongoing uncertainties affecting the regulated markets.

Arcep has also decided to limit the number of markets under regulation by excluding the mass-activated wholesale offers market from its analysis. The Autorité has validated Arcep's market definition approach and supports measures to ensure access to civil engineering infrastructures, which are crucial for the sector's structure and the migration to fibre.

Furthermore, the Autorité emphasizes the importance of monitoring the implementation of the copper network closure plan and the related measures. It urges Arcep to ensure that any changes to the quality of service framework and unbundling pricing do not disrupt market balance. The transition to fibre is expected to enhance competition in the business market, and the Autorité calls for operators to have access to comprehensive eligibility information to maintain service quality comparable to the existing copper network.