Orange faces a suspension of its fiber expansion in Mayotte due to concerns over market dominance and public funding. The company plans to challenge the decision.
Competition authority halts Orange's fiber expansion
On October 21, the Competition Authority ordered Orange to stop expanding its fiber-optic network in Mayotte outside of areas already equipped with the service. This decision came after being approached by Mayotte THD, Réunicable, and the Department-Region, who raised concerns that Orange's project might violate competition laws by leveraging its dominant position and risking public funding for a comprehensive network coverage.Concerns over market dominance
The authority’s action is a precautionary measure while it evaluates the case on its merits. Mayotte THD, Réunicable, and the Department-Region argue that Orange’s parallel project could undermine the public network managed by Mayotte THD and threaten the financial support for covering the entire territory with internet services.Orange continues services and expansion
In a new statement on October 29, Orange Réunion Mayotte confirmed that its existing customers continue to receive their services and that connections remain possible on the already deployed infrastructure. The company also noted that it has installed over 15,000 fiber outlets in one year using its own funds, without relying on public subsidies.Orange reaffirms commitment to connectivity
Orange continues to offer its mobile services, including packages and Flybox solutions, and is still developing its mobile network. André Martin, general director of Orange Réunion Mayotte, emphasized that the company’s priority is to ensure that residents of Mayotte, known as Mahorais, remain connected and have access to quality communication services.
