ART makes a favourable recommendation on lower IP/ADSL wholesale tariffs

Paris, 9th February 2005

ART made a favourable recommendation to the Minister responsible for Industry following a request by the incumbent, France Telecom, to modify the "access" component of its wholesale IP/ADSL offer.

This change will narrow, if not eliminate, the tariff differences between the existing bit-rate profiles and reduce the wholesale broadband access tariffs in zone B (distribution frames with less than 20 000 main lines).

It will therefore contribute to the development of attractively priced broadband tariffs nationwide, in particular in less densely populated areas by encouraging more uniform ADSL retail tariffs across the country.

As a result, ISPs will be able to offer higher bit rates at the same tariff country-wide.