Axione bridges digital divide through public-private partnerships

[Country Business Reports interviews and articles by Discovery Reports www.discoveryreports.com]

The strong demand for digital services in sectors such as health, education, entertainment and economic development has led to the emergence of alternative networks and the creation of a competitive wholesale communications market. In France, the last decade saw the widespread deployment of broadband networks even in sparsely populated areas. These public initiative networks (PINs) have stimulated investments as the expanded broadband availability connects businesses and the public sector.

Establishing itself as one of the leading companies on the PIN market, Axione has been working with local authorities in France since 2004 to help implement the government’s digital planning and development projects. The digital infrastructure specialist has retained its neutrality as it operates 20 PINs through concession-type contracts and public-private partnerships. To date, Axione serves 6,500 communities composed of 7 million residents and 310,000 businesses worth around €2 billion (HK$19.33 billion) in investments.

“We created the company to work as a neutral wholesale operator that partners with the local authorities,” says Jacques Beauvois, executive vice-president and co-founder. “We want to deliver high-speed broadband coverage to rural areas in partnership with local authorities and equity investors.”

By supporting and making it easier for telecommunications companies and digital service providers to enter the market, Axione stimulates competition and innovation through long-term planning services. Designing, building, operating and maintaining fixed and mobile networks, the company manages public digital services effectively by not owning any infrastructure. It also does not target the retail market directly, but is committed to providing a fast broadband service that is accessible to all through internet service providers and mobile operators. Ensuring excellent user experiences at all times, Axione continuously invests in process equipment and tools to offer relevant solutions.

“We bring together the private and public worlds by bridging the local authority requirements and the telecommunication operators,” says Dominique Astier, executive vice-president and co-founder. “We offer a one-stop solution that features design and project management capabilities upheld by solid relationships.”