Communiqué de presse

ART approves France Telecom’s interconnection catalogue valid as of January 1st, 2005


Paris, 29 November 2004

Autorité de régulation des télécommunications (ART) has just approved France Telecom's interconnection technical and pricing offer (commonly known as the "catalogue") for public telephone network operators, which will come into effect on January 1st, 2005.

  • The interconnection technical and pricing conditions of the 2004 interconnection catalogue temporarily maintained

This catalogue, which describes the wholesale interconnection services that France Telecom is required to offer its competitors, maintains all the technical and pricing conditions of the 2004 catalogue. This transitional offer will be applied until the coming into effect of the regulatory framework set by the recently approved law on electronic communications and audiovisual communications services.

ART considers that this temporary maintenance of the 2004 interconnection technical and pricing offer is a pragmatic and equitable solution which provides good visibility for the entire sector.

  • A transition period between two regulatory frameworks which will end in 2005

Being identified as having significant market power on the telephone services and leased lines markets, France Telecom was required to publish a technical and pricing offer, as required by the 26 July 1996 law.

The new regulatory framework significantly modifies how operators with significant market power are regulated in the electronic communications sector. In particular, it requires ART to re-assess the obligations previously imposed on France Telecom for all electronic communications markets, through a "market analysis" procedure which should be completed in 2005.

Upon completion of this market analysis, the scope and terms of the offers contained in this transitional catalogue, will be reviewed in light of the obligations which might be imposed on France Telecom.