French operator SFR is set to maintain its investments in 2013, despite tough competition in its home market.

According to reports originating from Les Echos, Pierre-Alain Allemand, its network head, said the company has “no choice” but to invest, as it rolls out its 4G mobile network and invests in fibre optic broadband.

Reuters said the operator is set to invest around EUR1.5 billion this year.

SFR’s parent, Vivendi, is in the process of reviewing its telecoms assets, which in addition to SFR includes businesses in Morocco and Brazil.

It was reported last week that the French authorities had vetoed a possible combination of SFR with aggressive new entrant Free Mobile.