Connection to fiber and end of the copper network: should we give in to pressure from salespeople?

Digital advisor in Trédrez-Locquémeau, Ploumilliau and Ploulec'h (22), Juliette de Liège is angry: “We are putting pressure on people to take out fiber subscriptions. It’s their operators’ salespeople who do it. One was told that her line was going to be deactivated if she didn't call to subscribe by November 4. She now lives in Saint-Michel-en-Grève (22). People panic and sign contracts that are not always advantageous for them in terms of prices. »

At the town hall of Saint-Michel-en-Grève, we confirm: “Even before the fiber installation work, some salespeople were threatening to cut it off, including the town hall line! Fortunately, in small towns, many have the reflex to call us.”

The end of the copper network in 2030

This incentive to connect to fiber is based on a reality: the telecommunications network via copper cables will be eliminated at the end of 2030. Damien de Kerhor, Brittany regional delegate of Orange, explains why: “Orange, owner of the copper network , has decided to stop its operation, in consultation with Arcep (the Telecoms Regulatory Authority). This old, energy-intensive network provides services using technologies that no longer allow current uses to be ensured.”

Copper will be replaced by fiber over most of the territory and by mobile or satellite networks where fiber will not reach. The operation is carried out in seven batches. On the first, launched in December 2022, the municipalities relay the information to residents, who have until January 2025 to change. In Brittany, around twenty municipalities are concerned.

Damien de Kerhor specifies: “In a town where the date of the end of copper is announced, you should not do it two weeks before. If you have a house with a garden, the cable arrives in a sheath which you must dig up, if it is buried. If it is clogged, the technician cannot complete the connection. It happens and it is the responsibility of the owner. You need to allow time to find the sheath or install another one. For buildings, there is the problem of access to common areas, saturated risers, that sometimes takes time. »

Solutions for landlines

Damien de Kerhor specifies that various solutions are offered, even for those who only have a landline: “You can connect the landline to fiber, the mobile network or satellite without an internet subscription.”

At Orange, we refuse to comment on cases of pressure. The regional delegate highlights a necessary but gentle migration: “We give three years, not three weeks. When faced with a direct seller, the ideal is to save time and contact your town hall or go to the Arcep or Orange sites to see when your municipality will no longer be connected to copper. »

There is no point, therefore, in rushing when fiber arrives in your community. On the other hand, the connection of an individual house may be offered by operators at one time, paying for at another. Taking your time before changing subscription allows you to obtain information or training, particularly from digital advisors.

Finally, when faced with an overly pushy salesman, even that of your operator, it is perhaps the time to look at what the competitors are offering.

Practical