Deal over nationwide 4G coverage

The government and the four major telecoms operators in France have reached an agreement over mobile phone and internet coverage.

Under the terms of the agreement, telecoms giants Orange, SFR, Free and Bouyges will invest €3billion to ensure 4G coverage across the whole of the country in return for the renewal of their lucrative licences.

The investment will involve installing 5,000 antennas and equipping 30,000km of railway tracks over the next three years, reports Franceinfo. The agreement includes sanctions for non-compliance and missed targets.

Currently, some 500 communes are considered mobile and internet blackspots, with little or no mobile coverage.

As reported, the government is committed to providing access to ultra-fast broadband for all by 2022.

Read more: Revealed: Quality of mobile coverage in your area