French phone firms fight costs: dispute may extend throughout EU
Article Abstract:
New players in France's telecommunications market are fighting the costs being charged by the government to provide universal service. The French government estimated that the costs will be 6.043 billion French francs ($1 billion) for 1998 alone. But new players, including the country's second-biggest operator Cegetel SA, said they are wrongly being ordered to pay up to 40% of their revenue to compensate rival France Telecom SA, the market's dominant operator. The dispute could have wider implications throughout the European union as two associations of new market players have lodged a complaint with the European Commission's competition directorate.
Comment:
France: New players in the telecommunications mkt are fighting the costs being charged by the govt to provide universal service
Publication Name: Wall Street Journal. Europe
Subject: Business, international
ISSN: 0921-9986
Year: 1998
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Deutsche Telekom plan worries U.S
Article Abstract:
Deutsche Telekom's position to alter the rules in the German telephone market solicited some serious concerns from the US Federal Communications Commission. The company is refusing the entry of new players into the market by not signing interconnection agreements with such firms with no extensive networks in Germany. Critics are saying that this would impede the entry of new players into the German telecommunications market, which is projected to grow by 10% to around $55.9 million in 1998. Deutsche Telekom said that only carriers with phone lines or switches to between eight and 23 locations in Germany should be allowed access to the market.
Comment:
Position to alter rules in German telephone market solicited some serious concerns from US Federal Communications Commission
Publication Name: Wall Street Journal. Europe
Subject: Business, international
ISSN: 0921-9986
Year: 1998
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Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
Canal Plus plans to join group of investors to expand services
Article Abstract:
Canal Plus revealed that it is partnering with a group of North American investors to expand the services of its cable network in France. Under the proposed team-up, which requires clearance from European authorities, Exante, the company formed by the investors that include BancAmerica Equity Partners and Callahan Associates International LLC, will acquire a 37% in Canal Plus' subsidiary, Numericable, for an unrevealed amount. Canal Plus' partners will reportedly help Numericable become a multiservice operator that offers online services, telephone and other value-added services, in addition to cable television services.
Comment:
Is partnering w/ a group of North American investors to expand the service of its cable network in France
Publication Name: Wall Street Journal. Europe
Subject: Business, international
ISSN: 0921-9986
Year: 1998
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
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