Banque des Territoires: The Challenge of a Mobile Study on Overseas Territories

As a Digital Infrastructure Investor for Banque des Territoires, what are your responsibilities?

My role is to identify and develop investment opportunities for Banque des Territoires and then to bring them to fruition, meaning to ensure that these projects are realized thanks to the financial support of Banque des Territoires.

My area of ​​expertise is more specifically mobile: supporting local areas in improving mobile coverage and deploying 5G to benefit the local economy. What guides Banque des Territoires' investments is the goal of more inclusive, sustainable, attractive, and connected regions.

What are the main reasons why Banque des Territoires wanted to conduct a study on mobile coverage in the French overseas territories?

In September 2020, Banque des Territoires launched its recovery plan, which complements the French government's plan. It includes a very high-speed broadband component. This very high-speed broadband recovery plan is divided into three themes: physical infrastructure security, complex connections, and improving mobile coverage in the French overseas territories.

The first step in working on this overseas component consisted of developing our own vision of the needs of these territories and the issues they face in order to prepare for future investments. It was within this framework that Tactis was awarded a study contract, in partnership with another firm to carry out this work.

What are the main conclusions you draw from this study?

The heterogeneity of overseas territories, each with its own unique context, needs, and issues. For this reason, it is necessary to thoroughly understand each of these territories by engaging with local stakeholders to be able to offer almost tailor-made solutions.

In the absence of a New Deal Mobile in these overseas territories, efforts are needed to improve mobile coverage in less densely populated areas. These efforts could be important for bringing energy to certain areas, making pylons more resilient in climate zones exposed to cyclones, etc.

Mobile coverage is essential for personal safety, for overcoming the isolation of territories, and for driving their economic development.

Are you satisfied with the involvement and work carried out by the Tactis teams in this study, and with the interactions between Banque des Territoires and Tactis?

We are very satisfied with the work accomplished by the Tactis teams, whether in terms of the literature review, the insights provided by their expertise and research, the interviews with local stakeholders, or the technical analysis of the solutions.

The teams were very proactive, the communication flowed smoothly, and our requests were always addressed efficiently and professionally. We greatly appreciated the consultants' ability to provide us with important information on market developments and regulatory frameworks throughout the project.

How long have you been working with the Tactis teams, if applicable? How would you describe their support for your projects in general?

Our first study on mobile coverage in dead zones with Tactis dates back to 2017. However, we have been working with Tactis in the fixed-line sector for much longer, as we have with other firms. We would like to take this opportunity to commend the high level of expertise of the consulting firms in France.

We particularly appreciate their proactive listening to our expectations, their expertise and knowledge of the sector (industrial and local authorities), and their ability to engage with the various stakeholders. During the projects, we appreciate their interactivity and communication skills.