France Télécom

From ArticleWorld

Till 1990, when France Telecom became autonomous, it was the only telecommunication company in France, wholly owned by the French government. In 1998, with the introduction of an open policy in telecommunication, France Telecom lost its monopoly but retained its leadership.

Operations

It became a multinational with the acquisition of 80% ownership in a Spanish mobile phone company. It launched its global operations by spreading its wings to South America with Telecom Argentina. The company now owns only about 1% shares in the Telecom Argentina. In the US, France telecom’s face is its Equant and Innovacom with its two R & D labs in Boston and California.

It further increased its operations by becoming the first internet service provider and mobile telephony with the brands- Wanadoo and Orange respectively. France Telecom provides services and products in the field of fixed, wireless and internet communications and serves clientele ranging from personal to corporate businesses. France Telecom, apart from its monopoly in France is also the leader in wireless telecommunication in the U.K., too. It is also the second largest internet service provider in Europe with its presence in Spain, Netherlands, Poland, and the U.K. and of course France. It also enjoys the numero uno position for the fixed line services in France and Poland. Its worldwide presence is brought out by its ventures in Jordan and Senegal apart from Western Europe and the US. France Telecom is also the official sponsor for the rugby team of France and its supporters, fans and also tour de France. It has also provided Yves Parlier with its expertise and know-how for his high sea expeditions.