The government of Reunion is looking to deploy a fibre-optic network covering 100% of the population within ten years of launching the build-out, with work due to start on the project in 2013. The outline of the ambitious plan, which is expected to cost in the region of EUR250 million (USD325 million), was presented to the government, regional authorities and the Caisse des Depots et Consignations (CDC). Within ten years, Reunion aims to construct 6,500km of optical fibre and is hoping to connect 60,000 homes in phase one. It is also aiming to roll out 100,000 fibre connections within three years, it said.
Separately, equipment vendor ZTE of China says it is working with Reunicable in Reunion to deploy fibre-to-the-home (FTTH), to allow the cableco to offer next generation multimedia services. The contract with ZTE covers the renovation of Reunicable’s IP/MPLS network, as well as the ongoing deployment of its future fibre-optic network on the island. Launched in March 2012, the project will see ZTE supplying the telco with an end-to-end infrastructure solution based on GPON equipment.