When it comes to promoting vigorous free-market competition, France does not spring to mind. Yet in broadband telecoms, at least, French consumers enjoy one of the most competitive markets in Europe. A new report from Ovum, a consultancy, calls France's performance "stellar" and predicts that it will soon overtake Germany as the European country with the most broadband-enabled telephone lines. The champion of France's broadband boom is Iliad, a young telecoms firm that offers some of the most advanced services in Europe. For a mere EUD 30 ($37) a month, Iliad's service, sold under the (not entirely accurate) "Free" brand, provides highspeed internet access, digital television and free nationwide phone calls. This is less than half the price of a similar bundle elsewhere in Europe-in the few countries where it is even available. No wonder Iliad has become France's second-largest broadband-internet provider, having signed up 768,000 customers since launching its "tripie-play" combination in October 2002.
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