TOTEM is modernizing its landmark tower on the island of Ushant (Finistère), improving mobile coverage for people living on the island. Thanks to this improvement, Free can now provide 3G and 4G coverage. Orange will maintain its presence at this shared site, where the operator already had 4G equipment. Orange also plans to deploy 5G at this site during the summer, offering next-generation connectivity to customers.

Infrastructure sharing is helping to expand the country’s mobile coverage, particularly on islands.

The result of a close partnership with Free over the past few months, this project was devised with the utmost respect for Ushant’s outstanding natural landscape. TOTEM has deployed innovative technical solutions to secure this essential infrastructure, ensuring effective connectivity for decades to come.

In addition to benefiting local people, this infrastructure supports the island’s economic development by ensuring optimal coverage of the surrounding maritime areas, a major asset for nautical activities, fishing and tourism.

This unique project, which requires specific maritime logistics, illustrates the technical expertise of TOTEM’s teams. The equipment is taken by barge from the port of Brest with a 2.5-hour journey to reach the island, which is located 20 kilometers off the coast of Brittany.

The upgrade has several phases:

• complete refurbishment of the structure with anti-corrosion treatment,
• application of a new protective coating and painting,
• base reinforcement to incorporate additional equipment,
• and finally, reinstallation of Orange’s equipment and installation of Free’s telecommunication antennas.

This unprecedented project underlines TOTEM’s commitment to the environment. Pooling combines connectivity and responsibility, prioritizing the sharing of infrastructure. TOTEM will go even further with its CSR commitment at this site by installing an innovative hybrid power system. Solar panels installed at the base of the tower cover 50% of its energy requirements, which are supplemented by a traditional power supply. Sharing the infrastructure optimizes its energy consumption and reduces the visual impact.

“This refurbishment illustrates TOTEM’s commitment to long-lasting and resilient infrastructure, which is particularly well suited to the unique climate of islands. Our technical expertise and our ability to manage complex projects help ensure optimal connectivity on the island, and play an active role in Ushant’s appeal and vibrancy,” explains Emmanuel Rochas, CEO of TOTEM.

“On an island like Ushant, this TOTEM tower is our only 24/7 connection to the mainland. In addition to keeping our 850 residents safe, it allows us to access essential services like telemedicine, while offering new professional opportunities thanks to remote working,” adds Denis Palluel, Mayor of Ushant.

Raphaël Ruegger, co-founder of Fédération Française des Trucs qui Marchent (FFTM) underlines: “For four years, we have been supported on the Fédération Française des Trucs qui Marchent adventure by TOTEM. We share a deep commitment to local communities, a firm resolve to contribute to their development and plenty of enthusiasm for meeting local officials to promote their initiatives. This Ushant project is the perfect example of a partnership that works.”

About TOTEM

TOTEM, an Orange subsidiary, is a TowerCo that aims to become a leading player in Europe. As of November 2021, TOTEM is present in France and Spain.

As an independent and neutral player, TOTEM is well-placed to offer infrastructure and connectivity solutions that create value for its customers. With a current portfolio of 27,300 towers (ground and roof), TOTEM offers shared solutions for operators, as well as distributed antenna solutions (DAS) for dense and enclosed spaces, like stadiums or public transport.

Connectivity for everyone, everywhere is at the heart of TOTEM’s strategy, bringing together operators, local authorities, landlords and companies.

Press contact: Lucile Charles: lucile.charles@totemtowers.com