In September 2003, Ozone started deploying the OzoneParis network across the city of lights. Our objective: to construct a wireless metropolitan network with full Wi-Fi coverage of Paris . The OzoneParis network is constructed as follows:

The oBone: a metropolitan network

Starting from its main broadcasting points – the only elements not connected wirelessly - Ozone spreads the oBone, its metropolitan backbone. This backbone serves to convey traffic from/to most buildings in Paris . Ozone therefore enjoys its own low-cost network, and only uses other operators’ wire infrastructures at the head end.

oZones: local coverage area

OzoneParis coverage aerial on a Paris rooftop

Ozone establishes areas of coverage around the points of presence set up along its metropolitan network. The OzoneParis Wi-Fi signal uses rooftop aerials to cover areas with a 300 - 500 metre radius.

Ozone markets the OzoneParis offer within such zones. Users covered by a oZone can connect to the OzoneParis network to, among other things, access the Internet. The symmetrical broadband connection offered requires no landline subscription or socket of any kind. It provides a permanent domestic connection, just like any DSL or cable access, as well as access on the go. Subscription to OzoneParis is not dependent on a physical address from which the user needs to connect: the network can be accessed from any point covered by the OzoneParis signal.

Unbundled access to the local loop is not an issue for Ozone. OzoneParis is a wholly independent network, allowing access to the end user without ever passing through the incumbent operator’s infrastructures.

Principles and philosophy

Ozone has chosen Wi-Fi technology to deploy its network. This approach makes it possible to:

Be accessible from an existing and fast-growing base of Wi-Fi devices, with a built-in ability to spontaneously access the OzoneParis network.
Build the network with lightweight, cheap hardware that's easy to install, keeping deployment costs to a minimum: savings can be passed on to users with an offer for mobile wireless broadband connections for a fraction of what mobile telecom operators charge.
Use technology that's less aggressive in terms of radio frequency emissions.

Ever since work began on the network, back in 2003, Ozone has always kept a pragmatic approach. Its methods are based on direct implementation in the field, geared towards real users, in real usage situations . Our experience is fuelled by all sorts of real-life difficulties and glitches, which we gradually solve as we go by developing our own technologies, as well a by the fast pace of change in Wi-Fi specifications and the richness of existing technical solutions.

The OzoneParis network serves as a non-exclusive base for the Pervasive Services Ozone also designs and develops. Beyond their use within the OzoneParis services plan that Ozone markets, these capacities can be provided to other operators or Service providers.

And finally, Ozone will soon jump the Paris ring road with a new franchising offer. This will be designed to provide any outside initiative (private, governmental, charitable) aiming to equip a town or village with a network similar to OzoneParis, with the technologies, solutions and platform developed for OzoneParis. The future network of Ozone franchise holders is also designed to provide free access to customers from any other franchise, in order to extend the Ozone Pervasive Network philosophy on a nationwide scale: an anywhere, anytime broadband connection for a reasonable cost.

Ozone has been authorised by the French Telecom Authority (ART, now ARCEP), declaration # 03-3864, "to set up and operate a public telecommunications network connecting radio frequency devices in the 2400-2483,5 MHz or 5150-5350 MHz bands [...as defined by...] article L33-1 of the Postal and Telecommunications code ".