FOREWORD

1994 was an eventful year for the posts and telecommunications regulator, with a host of developments, undertakings and decisions in all aspects of the regulatory activity.

Much was accomplished, with the active participation of the DGPT: the decision to open telecommunications infrastructure to competition with the telephone service on 1 January 1998; the choice of a third mobile telephone operator; the determination of the tariffs applicable for interconnection between mobile networks and the fixed telephone network; the signature of the first contractual plan between the Government and La Poste; the publication of the results of the public consultation on the evolution of French telecommunications regulation; the revision of telephone tariffs; an audit followed by a public consultation on the tariffs and quality of service of leased lines, and the adoption of a governmental plan for information highways and services. These achievements give only a glimpse of the work of reflection, analysis, consultation, drafting and implementation of proposals carried out during 1994, initiated well before the creation of the DGPT, and which will continue for many years to come.

We devoted much of our energy during 1994 to activities which will not crystallize until 1995 or later: the preparation during the French presidency, at national and European Union level, of the regulatory framework for telecommunications after 1998; laying down the foundations of postal Europe; interministerial discussions on frequency management reform; and the preparation of an economic and regulatory framework for the information society.

In relation to our predecessors, the DGPT has taken on a new dimension, with a wider sphere of activity, more diversified aims, more efficient tools and an increasing number of working relations. In assuming our extended role we have adopted one fundamental guiding principle: an open approach.

First, an open approach to the global environment. More than ever before we need to analyse, understand and discuss the fundamental changes taking place in other countries. This doesn't mean that we lack imagination or independence and need to systematically copy the experiences of others, but rather that we need to consolidate our own experience through the example of other countries, to reaffirm our position on the world market and to help our players to be more competitive.

Then, an open approach to innovation. The scale, timing, potential and risk involved in new technologies is often daunting. However, forecasting, planning ahead and preparing for innovation is an essential part of the regulator's task. The regulator is often expected to play a difficult role in "reducing uncertainty", by using his forecasting skills to both predict and prepare for future changes in technology and in the market. He is also expected to create a favourable environment in which players can test out the practical implications and possibilities of their new technologies and applications.

Finally, an open approach in our working relations. I consider this a priority. Our success can only be measured by our ability to respond to the expectations and concerns of those we work for and with. The practical implementation of our open approach is three-fold. We shall inform - alongside the current information sheets published, the DGPT shall regularly publish the studies it conducts in its various areas of activity; consult - this has already become our working method, both on general issues (regulatory adjustments, draft legislation) and on more precise subjects (leased lines, satellite communications); and involve others - the consultative commissions for telecommunications and radiocommunications made a significant contribution to our work again this year, and I would like to express my gratitude to their respective chairmen, Mr Pierre Faurre and Mr Marc Houery.

Our activity will continue at the same pace in the coming months, and undoubtedly the issues addressed in this first annual report will figure again in the contents table of the next. I only hope that by reading this report you may become more involved in our activity and may work more closely with us.

Bruno Lasserre

Main events in 1994 in the post and telecommunications sectors