Olivier Roussat, CEO of Bouygues, emphasized the dangers of Europe depending on American infrastructure during an interview with CNBC. He specifically mentioned the risks associated with relying on Starlink, a satellite internet service by SpaceX, which currently dominates the market with around 10,000 satellites.
Roussat argued that Europe must strive for technological sovereignty, particularly in artificial intelligence and satellite communications, to avoid vulnerabilities to non-state actors. Bouygues is actively involved in the telecom sector, currently pursuing a significant acquisition of SFR, France's second-largest telecom operator, valued at €20.35 billion ($23.6 billion).
This move aims to consolidate the competitive landscape in France, where intense price competition has pressured operators' profits. However, the acquisition will face regulatory scrutiny from the European Commission, which will assess the implications for competition in an already crowded market.
Roussat expressed optimism about achieving fair competition conditions set by regulators, indicating a strategic shift towards greater consolidation in European telecommunications