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Phone: difficult "dance" Montebourg
The minister, who had fought for the entry of a fourth operator (Free), trying to keep your head on the eve of a likely return three players.
The Minister of Productive Recovery Arnaud Montebourg said Tuesday that lower prices of mobile phones, reached 30% in two years, was an "irreversible acquired," while the sector is on the verge of a restructuring. Vivendi , who wishes to withdraw from the sector, received two takeover offers for its subsidiary SFR : one from Bouygues Telecom, the other Numericable. To avoid potential problems of competition, Bouygues plans, if accepted, then assign its network of antennas and mobile frequencies to its competitor Free (Iliad). Consumer groups fear that the return of four to three operators would lead to higher prices.
"It is time to organize the renaissance of the telecom sector. I do not think it will be to the detriment of consumers. Prices have fallen 30% this is an irreversible acquired," said Mr. Montebourg on RTL. According to him, "the fact that, in this operation, Free strengthened so continues to be the troublemaker - whose identity is still to lower prices and to serve consumers and avoid annuities - is our guarantee of fair competition. " And "It will allow us to fiberize (install optical fibers) France," noted the minister. "We do not want to raise taxes to pay for it, we will require operators to finance these investments on the basis of a very long-term profitability."
"Vivendi will choose who he wants" but "we have a preference of general interest which is to say that the consolidation that started in all European countries is necessary," said Mr. Montebourg, showing again support a resumption of SFR Bouygues. If Vivendi had to choose Numericable, "we bow," Has he said, recalling that the Competition Authority will consider the case.