Brittany Achieves High-Speed Broadband Milestone: Connecting 500,000 Households and Businesses
On the 22 February 2024, the French region of Brittany celebrated in Landivisiau a landmark achievement in regional development and digital inclusivity. In fact, the region reached the milestone of 500,000 households and businesses connected by high-speed broadband. Such achievement propels Brittany towards the fulfilment of both regional ambitions and European Union digital transition goals.
This project is a testament to Brittany's dedication to bridging the digital divide. By providing high-speed internet access uniformly across both urban and rural landscapes, Brittany sets a new standard for digital accessibility. This initiative aligns with the European Union's objective of enhancing social and economic cohesion through a robust digital transition.
Strategic Endeavors: The Blueprint of Brittany's Digital Success
This latest advancement is far from being only symbolic, the project “Bretagne Très Haut Débit” is making strides with the support of EU funds and the cooperation of local communities under the supervision of Mégalis Bretagne. The head of the latter and president of the Region, Loïg Chesnais-Girard stated "The goal of this ambitious program of 1.7 billion euros is to see all of Brittany connected to very high-speed broadband by 2026; and the challenge is on the verge of being met."
Recent strides in the high-speed internet roll-out are already making a difference for households, public services and businesses. "The arrival of fiber optic broadband in Landivisiau and the broader Brittany region marks a pivotal improvement in the daily lives of our residents and the operational capabilities of local businesses and public entities," reflects further President of the Region Loïg Chesnais-Girard. "Our goal for this €1.7 billion ambitious program is to see all of Brittany connected to very high-speed internet by 2026; and we are well on track to achieving this."
Transforming Lives: The Broad Reach of High-Speed Internet in Brittany
Underscoring the impact of fibre optics for administrative and government services, Sandrine Tanguy, director of the France Service antenna in Landivisiau states "On average, we welcome 65 people per day, and our visitors sometimes need to carry out their online procedures here (taxes, family allowances office, unemployment. We offer them digital support, but it's true that with very high-speed broadband, this assistance is easier and more efficient, whether it's individual or collective."
For local enterprises, the advent of high-speed internet facilitates small and medium-sized businesses, extending their competitive edge and enabling them to tap into new markets. Furthermore, it fosters innovation and solidifies already existing innovative enterprises. It is the case of AB Process, a business dealing in robotisation solutions, whose leader, Brian Boulanger states: "For us the benefit of fibre is significant: it allows us to intervene remotely, to take control of our robots, equipped with cameras, to detect malfunctions and assist our clients in France but also abroad, without the need to travel."
Currently, nearly 400 construction sites are active across the four Breton departments. Between 2020 and 2026, public works are expected to deploy a total of 50,000 km of cables throughout the regional territory.
In rural areas of the Finistère, the current pace allows building 6,000 to 7,000 connections per month, amounting to more than 184,000 to date. To inspire the entire initiative is the principle that for each new connection in an urban area, there should be one in a rural area, thus covering the 90% of Brittany, equivalent to 60% of the population of the region.
From Regional Development to European Cohesion: the strategic importance of Brittany's Broadband Initiative
The initiative is co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund and, thanks to its impact, it was designated as an Operation of Strategic Importance (OSI) within the 2021-27 Cohesion Policy legal framework.
The broadband rollout in Brittany exemplifies a flagship initiative whose potential was recognized by regional authorities to significantly influence regional development.
Operations of strategic importance reflect the strategic priorities of the Cohesion Policy, aiming to diminish disparities between regions, encourage sustainable development, and elevate the quality of life for European citizens. These strategic EU projects share a common ground in the 27 Member States: they are symbolic for the aims of EU programmes in the regions and they bring innovative solutions. Moreover, their contribution carries a strong importance for the national, regional and local development needs. The visibility of these projects is vital, serving as concrete demonstrations of the EU's investment in its communities and the tangible impact of Cohesion Policy.
By channelling targeted investments into digital infrastructure, the broadband rollout in Brittany stands as a beacon of how regions can advance toward their digital transition goals, stimulating economic growth, and enhancing competitiveness. This operation of strategic importance underscores the necessity of strategic communication to broadcast the successes and merits of such initiatives, ensuring their value is recognized among the local community, the media, citizens of France and involved stakeholders.
Strategic priorities of the EU take many shapes and forms on the ground, and each region has selected a different project to designate as an Operation of Strategic Importance. This publication will embark on an exploration of operations of strategic importance across Europe in a dedicated series. Each article will unveil the transformative impact of Cohesion Policy on communities, showcasing how strategic investments lay the foundation for a more unified, competitive, and sustainable Europe. From enhancing digital connectivity in Brittany to driving economic innovation and social inclusion across the Union, stay tuned for a journey with Cohesion policy’s flagship projects.
