A telecommunication cable of the microcable or minicable type having optical fibers (2) contained in a thin retaining sheath (3) includes an external layer (4) extending concentrically around the retaining sheath. The external layer has a friction coefficient lower than that of the retaining sheath and a stiffness greater than that of the retaining sheath. These characteristics reduce friction and increase the stiffness of the cable when the latter is installed by blowing or floating in a conduit.