Europe's phone giants talk big, but changes are small; vaporware abounds as companies prepare for cross-border competition
Article Abstract:
Europe's telephone services giants are competing for prime positions as the European market heads toward further liberalization. Although a number of major players have announced strategic alliances and joint ventures, few of the alliances have regulatory approval. Unisource is planning a joint venture with AT&T, while France Telecom and Deutsche Telekom are planning a broadly-based alliance. The proposed agreements promise to provide seamless international communications. However, most of the current alliances are only offering patched-together domestic networks. Some view the proposed alliances as mere attempts to stop large domestic multinationals from moving to bigger, more advanced global firms. British Telecommunications (BT) is the exception to this scenario. The telecom giant has already received approval for most of its contracts and is already reaping substantial revenues from its new services.
Publication Name: The Wall Street Journal Western Edition
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0193-2241
Year: 1995
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France is working on opening market for telecommunications to competition
Article Abstract:
Thousands of France Telecom employees recently went on a one-day strike to protest any effort to change the company's state-run monopoly of telephone services, but change is inevitable. France does not have any plans for mobile communications or any privatizations strategy, when compared to the UK's open competition. However, France is heading toward an open market for French companies, on the government's terms. The government is working on a timetable for open competition and issuing new licenses for operators beginning nine months before New Year's Day 1998, the mandated date the European Union set for open telecommunications. France Telecom is beginning preliminary steps in preparation for privatization by reducing its tariffs and lowering its debts.
Publication Name: The Wall Street Journal Western Edition
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0193-2241
Year: 1995
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France Telecom is ready to sign on Internet but Minitel system may suffer
Article Abstract:
France Telecom is enhancing its national data network in preparation for providing consumers with access to Internet providers by way of local phone calls. The phone company will distribute Web-based software from Netscape Communications, simultaneously offering Internet access and an array of products, a fact that leads several of its competitors to fear monopolization. The underdeveloped french Internet market is presently under intense marketing efforts from American-based online service providers. France Telecom's Internet efforts come at a considerable risk to the future of its own Minitel teletext service, which has an extensive installed-base of users and brings in $1.33 billion US in yearly revenue.
Publication Name: The Wall Street Journal Western Edition
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0193-2241
Year: 1996
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