While voice-based communications have been protected from competition, leased lines for data transmission have been an open market. Economists fear a price gap between voice and data lines will continue to exist due to recent accords among the big PTOs. Indeed, mergers and joint venture may leave us with no more competition than before deregulation. Global One, an alliance of French and German PTOs with Sprint, was created to adapt the telephone infrastructure to the exploding demand of corporate computer networks, intranets and extranets. Each partner retains a good deal of autonomy in basic telecom services.
Media concentration is a component of the telecommunications companies' strategy.
French cable television, the weakest communications business sector among the G7 countries, is controlled by two major utility conglomerates, the Generale des Eaux and Lyonnaise des Eaux. These companies also control water and public service utilities. The infrastructure is owned by France Telecom, however Generale and Lyonnaise control all cable in France. Internet access via cable-TV is scheduled to begin this year, but, business disputes between cable operators and the PTO may delay the launch in some localities, including Paris. User Needs These newly opened telecom markets will directly affect online access tariffs.