12 January 1996
PRESS STATEMENT

François FILLON, Junior Minister of Postal Services, Telecommunications and Space, is delighted by the measures announced by France Telecom which will allow all French citizens to have access to Internet access providers for the price of a local call and this throughout the country.

This decision conforms with the direction retained by the Government at the interministerial meeting on the Information Highways on 16/10/95 on François FILLON's proposal.

It responds to the Government's preoccupation that all French citizens may have access to the new information services under equal and affordable conditions throughout the country. "The object is to avoid a situation where the development of new information technologies produces a two-tier France and where France falls behind with regard to the development of the Internet in the world. It is advisable, nevertheless, to ensure that rules to protect minors and consumers be implemented and that the French language finds its place on these worldwide networks" François FILLON stated.

© Secretary of State for industry - France