Cellnex drives digital infrastructure in France

The Ready to Connect initiative by Cellnex addresses the topics that generate the most interest among investors and analysts regarding the digital infrastructure business, analyzing the near future of the sector, operational, commercial, and financial growth opportunities, as well as stock market indicators and valuations that shape the company’s roadmap.

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On this occasion, Thomas Bertrand, CEO of Cellnex France, explains the challenges and opportunities posed by the deployment of mobile networks in Europe, with a special focus on France and the possible consolidation of the telecommunications sector in the country.

The possible sale of SFR (Société Française du Radiotelephone) to a consortium formed by the other three mobile operators in France – Orange, Free, and Bouygues Telecom – opens a period of reflection on the future of the telecommunications sector. According to Bertrand, “the reality is that France needs a stronger, denser, and more resilient mobile infrastructure. We have to close the 5G coverage and performance gap with other European countries. The consolidation of these three mobile operators could free up the necessary investment capacity” to advance this goal.

Bertrand acknowledges that “undoubtedly significant private investment will be needed, and Cellnex can attract a substantial volume of foreign capital to support this strategic infrastructure,” but emphasizes that “Cellnex’s investment capacity depends on full respect for the existing long-term agreements. In particular, our contract with SFR cannot be transferred, either wholly or partially, without our consent.”

The CEO of Cellnex France summarizes his vision with a clear statement: “In businesses based on long-term relationships, stability and predictability are crucial elements.”

For Bertrand, “all infrastructure investment starts from the premise of having a clear, sustainable, and lasting business environment. Previous and new projects complement each other, and new initiatives do not jeopardize the profitability of existing contracts.” The joint offer presented in October by Orange, Free, and Bouygues Telecom for the acquisition of SFR opened a period of uncertainty for the entire ecosystem, but Bertrand remains convinced that “market consolidation will promote an improvement in the quality of mobile networks and the digital infrastructures that support them. This will equally benefit consumers, companies, and public administrations.”

Looking at the French market as a whole, Bertrand considers that “improving the quality of digital services is an unavoidable necessity for French users.” This is an absolutely key point, and “the path forward is clearly defined. The mobile network of the future will be faster, with ultra-low latency, a high density of devices, and coverage throughout the country. We are still far from that!”

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A project of this type will require additional private investment in French mobile infrastructure. As a neutral player with recognized experience in mobile networks, “Cellnex will continue to be in a position to attract billions of euros to invest in telecommunications assets in France. We can play a crucial role in executing any future public-private collaboration.

Bertrand highlights that “Cellnex is prepared to take on a full and responsible role alongside France. But there are two fundamental things: first, preserving long-term contracts with mobile network operators; second, ensuring clarity and certainty regarding the network quality projects that France intends to promote.”

Regarding France’s digital strategy for the coming years, there is an ambitious plan for digital sovereignty and innovation. Cellnex “clearly and realistically supports this plan. It is expected to provide greater certainty among the different actors to address improvements in coverage and network quality.” France has a well-defined national digital strategy, but “this would still be limited if 5G technology were not fully deployed. And that will not be realistic without high-quality mobile infrastructure.”

Cellnex is already working in this context. Since 2016, the company “has invested more than 13.4 billion euros in the country. And we have not done it alone. We have worked with all French operators, supporting them in building and evolving their mobile and fiber networks.” Additionally, during the most recent edition of Choose France, it announced an investment commitment of 2.5 billion euros until 2030 with the goal of “continuing to expand, modernize, and densify French infrastructures.” Bertrand concludes with a direct statement: “We are prepared to face the future ahead and to support France’s digital leadership project.”