2011 Country Commercial Guide - FRANCE exchanged in 2010. Virtual Mobile Network Operators or MVNOs continue to increase its market share in the mobile sector. MVNOs buy minutes from one of the major operators (in this case, Orange, SFR or Bouygues) and then redistribute those minutes to consumers. By the end of September 2010, MVNOs represented 3.8 million subscribers and 6.34 percent of the market. The telecommunications and IT sectors already play a central role in the French economy. As these sectors experience further growth, the market for infrastructure and equipment and services will continue to offer opportunities to U.S. companies. Sub-Sector Best Prospects
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General French business and consumer commitment to mobility and broadband consumption is clear. French consumers, particularly the young generation, seem to adapt fully to the continuing convergence of technologies. Consumer demand for mobile products, broadband technology, and services such as video on demand, mobile television and videophones is increasing. Also the exact combination of standards (UMTS, Wi-Fi, WiMax, RFID, etc) within France telecomâ€&#x;s infrastructure is being rapidly established. Opportunities
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As broadband and wireless demand matures the French market for telecom infrastructure, equipment and support services will offer many exciting prospects for American exporters. Security is a major concern of the French consumer in regards to their online activities. French consumers have shown a willingness to pay more for equipment or services, with better security. As broadband usage increases, so will the demand for protection of online transactions, and the need for evolving solutions to old and new Internet menaces (spam, viruses, fraud etc.). Indeed, if demand for security is not satisfied, it may threaten the growth of demand for broadband in general. American companies have historically been more efficient at meeting client demand. Web Resources
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Regulation Authority for Electronic and Postal Communication (Arcep) www.arcep.fr French National Frequency Agency (ANF) www.anfr.fr Association of Internet Service Providers (AFA) www.afa-france.com French Association of Network & Telecom Service Operators (AFORS) www.aforstelecom.fr European Telecommunications standards Institute (ETSI) www.etsi.org Trade Association for the IT and Communications Sector (TICS) www.alliance-tics.com Trade Association of communications companies (FICOME) www.ficome.fr Last updated: 5 April 2011 INTERNATIONAL COPYRIGHT, U.S. & FOREIGN COMMERCIAL SERVICE AND U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE, Š 2011. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED OUTSIDE OF THE UNITED STATES.
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