While Free is soon to land on the mobile phone market, operators are in battle. SFR puts together all the stops to improve coverage of its 3G mobile network.
Behind the obligations contained in its license, the operator covers only 80% of the population, instead of the 98% required. Rival Orange is also delayed but to a lesser extent, since it covers 85% of the population. Bouygues Telecom, which started later, he is ahead: it already covers 79% of the population for a requirement of 75% in late 2010.
This topic will be up for discussion with the regulator (Arcep) in December. Orange and SFR, which could theoretically fine, should actually commit to a new schedule of obligations.
SFR, which has invested 1.4 billion euros in its network in 2009, promises to invest at least as much this year.A reminder that the business of mobile operator needs to have deep pockets. Meanwhile, he announced Tuesday the sale of a new cabinet, "SFR 3G Home," sold 299 euros. Clean the box Web client, this case is actually a mini-antenna technology ( "femtocell"), is improving coverage at home.
"Tool of comfort"
"It is a tool of convenience for our customers. This provides a good mobile coverage in the back room, for example where the mobile goes wrong, where in his second home, "says Jean-Marc Tassetto, general manager marketing and public SFR. 82% of subscribers who do not pick up well at home, would be interested in this type of product, according to the operator. Another initiative SFR announced Tuesday the launch of an offer Internet access via satellite (from 34,90 euro per month dish included).It is for 500 000 homes, located mostly in rural areas, still lack access to ADSL. SFR for the occasion partnered with satellite operator Eutelsat. Such an offer has already been launched in early 2009 by Orange.
Along with improved network coverage, the operator must also cope with the sharp increase in traffic. Indeed, with unlimited internet boom on phones, consumers are now e-mail, surfing, downloading video, music streaming. All activities demanding network capacity, leading all operators to invest to avoid saturation.
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