On-line services & Telecommunications

A growing sector in Rhône-Alpes

The Telecom branch is organized around two types of activities: an industrial part producing and assembling elements required to build communication systems, and another providing services based on installed networks.

2nd French region for telecommunications services

With a turnover of almost 3 billion euros and 15,000 jobs, the telecommunications industry carries significant economic weight in the Rhône-Alpes region.

This activity is fed by the region's very dense economic fabric, and echoes the fact that Rhône-Alpes is home to major operators (France Télécom and Cegetel), national resource centers, such as service or network supervision centers, or call centers.

3rd expertise center in France

If we take into account the whole branch, including the components part, Rhône-Alpes is the third expertise center in France for telecommunications. This leadership position rests on two technological areas of excellence: fiber optic and wireless networks.

An industrial leadership position in fiber optic and wireless networks.

The GDP of the Telecommunications branch (industry and services) in Rhône-Alpes amounts to 5.2 billion euros. There are 21,000 jobs in the branch in the region.

Many advantages

Both in terms of scientific and business expertise, the Telecom branch in Rhône-Alpes offers medium and long term competitive advantages.

Among these are:

	a successful tradition in industrial transfer and spin-offs,
	a high-level expertise, in phase with the major technological and economic challenges of the future,
	an innovative, practice-based approach, in phase with global innovation strategies.

Furthermore, Rhône-Alpes can draw on a solid industrial fabric, the presence of major operators, and effective research and training structures. The players are many, and are individually recognized both nationally and worldwide.