#1 REPORT ON IMPACT

The Cap Fibre project is a typical example of efficient digital infrastructures, opening up access to digital technology while taking into consideration the societal and environmental challenges of their ecosystem.

DEPLOYMENT OF OPTICAL FIBRE: A FIRST CHALLENGE MET

The deployment of digital infrastructures to support the digital revolution has been a European and national priority for over ten years.

Fibre to the home has been identified as the most efficient technology for bringing very high speed broadband to the population while limiting energy consumption – if compared to copper networks – and with lower maintenance costs than alternative technologies.

Numerous technological, human and financial challenges had to be overcome to transform a strategic and political will into a reality on the ground, and enable the deployment of infrastructure, particularly in rural areas.

With the Plan France Très Haut Débit, France has put in place a legal and regulatory framework, involving both public and private players, which enables it to achieve its ambitious objective of connecting all its citizens.

The Cap Fibre project is a typical example of efficient digital infrastructure, opening up access to digital technology while taking into account the societal and environmental challenges of their ecosystem.

CAP FIBRE AN EXAMPLE OF A SUCCESSFUL PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN THE PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SECTORS

The Hauts-de-France Regional Council and the Nord and Pas-de-Calais departments have decided to implement a proactive policy for the deployment of very high-speed broadband (VHS) via optical fibre in areas not covered by operators.

THE IMPACT OF THE USE OF FIBRE MUST BE CONSIDERED NOT ONLY FROM AN ECONOMIC BUT ALSO FROM A SOCIETAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL POINT OF VIEW

In the wake of the COVID-19 crisis, digitalisation is seen as an essential tool and a lever for innovation, but also as potentially amplifying the social divide and increasing energy consumption. The role of the public authority and private actors is to ensure that, once deployed, connectivity will have positive long-term effects, contributing to improving the lives of citizens and the competitiveness of businesses, and supporting the fight against climate change.

These are the objectives that CAP Fibre, the Hauts-de-France Region and the Nord and Pas-de-Calais Departments have set themselves.

THE IMPACT OF THE USE OF FIBRE OPTICS MUST BE CONSIDERED NOT ONLY FROM AN ECONOMIC BUT ALSO FROM A SOCIETAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL POINT OF VIEW

The urgency of climate change has been described by a number of scientific reports and research (including the latest IPCC report). Around 70% of greenhouse gas emissions are directly related to the construction and operation of infrastructure such as buildings and transport networks. This figure cannot be ignored by public authorities, industry and investors, who are committed to playing their part in moving towards sustainable solutions. Infrastructure is defined as sustainable when it meets the needs of the population for essential services, based on principles centred on six key objectives.

  • Reducing greenhouse gas emissions, in line with the Paris Agreement.
  • Contribute to the transition to a low-carbon economy and the decarbonisation of energy supply.
  • Promote high standards of energy efficiency.
  • Be resilient and help protect against extreme weather events and natural disasters.
  • Consider climate change risks in its design, maintenance and operation.
  • Reduce vulnerability to the risks and impacts of climate change