Olivier Roussat, CEO of Bouygues, one of France's largest engineering groups, issued a warning regarding Europe's 'dangerous' reliance on American infrastructure, specifically highlighting Elon Musk's Starlink satellite network and the broader dominance of U.S. firms in artificial intelligence and satellite communications [1]. Roussat emphasized the need for Europe to develop its own solutions to ensure sovereignty in critical infrastructure, stating, 'Europe doesn't realize exactly how dangerous it is to just rely on the American infrastructure' [1]. He noted that Starlink, a division of SpaceX, currently dominates the global satellite internet market with a constellation of around 10,000 satellites [1].
The interview comes as Bouygues is leading a major consolidation effort in the French telecom sector. In April, Bouygues made a cash bid for the largest share in rival operator SFR, with the total deal valued at 20.35 billion euros ($23.6 billion), marking the largest European telecoms deal in recent years [1]. In a joint bid with Free–iliad Group and Orange, Bouygues Telecom would acquire a 42% stake in SFR, France's second-largest telecom operator. This acquisition would reduce the number of network operators in France from four to three, potentially improving market stability amid ongoing price competition that has pressured profits [1].
The deal is subject to regulatory scrutiny and requires clearance from antitrust authorities, which will test the European Commission's willingness to allow further consolidation in the crowded telecom market [1]. Roussat commented, 'The game for them [the European Commission] is to set up conditions where we will have a fair competition between us, and I think it's possible' [1].
Additionally, SpaceX is planning to list on Nasdaq in what could become the largest IPO ever, further underscoring the growing influence of U.S. technology firms in critical infrastructure sectors [1]. Roussat warned that Europe's vulnerability is heightened by the fact that a non-state actor such as Starlink could theoretically cut off the continent's connectivity single-handedly [1].
CONCLUSION
Bouygues' CEO has raised alarms about Europe's dependence on U.S. satellite and AI infrastructure, urging the continent to develop its own solutions. The company's $23.6 billion bid for SFR signals major consolidation in the French telecom market, but faces significant regulatory hurdles. The outcome will be closely watched as it could reshape competition and infrastructure sovereignty in Europe.