Telecoms news from France

European Networks Delay Launch of "Facebook Phone"

Two major European mobile networks are delaying the planned launch of HTC's Facebook optimised smartphone, in a move that is casting further doubt on the viability of Facebook's attempt to develop its own smartphone platform. ...more.

Vivendi Mulls Stock Market Floatation for French Mobile Network

French conglomerate, Vivendi is considering a partial stock market listing for its French mobile network subsidiary, SFR as the company seeks to pay down its debt pile. ...more.

Ericsson Completes Acquisition of French IT Services Consultancy

Ericsson says that it has successfully completed its previously announced acquisition of Devoteam Telecom & Media in France. ...more.

Carphone Warehouse Earmarks French Retail Chain for Closure or Sale

UK based Carphone Warehouse (CPW) is to close down its French mobile phone retail chain over the forthcoming year, but is in talks with possible buyers for the company to prevent its closure. ...more.

Vivendi May Seek New Chairman from 2014

French conglomerate, Vivendi may get a new Chairman next year as the company continues to divest itself of assets to pay down debts. ...more.

France Telecom Finances Decline on Weaker Home Market

France Telecom has announced that its first-quarter revenues fell by 5.9 percent to EUR10.3 billion, while its EBITDA also fell by 9 percent to EUR3.1 billion as the company was hurt by intensive competition in its home market. ...more.

France Telecom Debt Ratings Downgraded on Weak Domestic Market Performance

S&P said that the downgrade reflects its belief that FT's overall EBITDA will decline more in 2013 than previously expected, due to mounting competitive and price pressures since late last year in the French mobile market and slowdowns in the group's key European market ...more.

Ericsson On Track for French LTE Network Deployment

Ericsson has issued an update on network upgrade work that it has been carrying out for France Telecom-Orange since last June. ...more.

Fitch Affirms Vivendi at 'BBB'; Outlook Stable

Fitch said that Vivendi's headroom in its credit profile remains tight, driven by the acquisition of EMI and the erosion of SFR's cash flow generation ability. ...more.

Orange Expands French LTE Network Coverage

France Telecom-Orange has announced that it is expanding its LTE coverage to a further 10 cities in France from today. ...more.

Vringo Files Patent Infringement Lawsuit Against ZTE

Ringtones turned patent litigators, Vringo says that it has filed a patent infringement lawsuit against ZTE in France. ...more.

Huawei Loses Patent Dispute Against ZTE in France

ZTE says that it has won a patent lawsuit that was filed against it by Huawei in France, and that that Paris court ordered Huawei to pay damages to it. ...more.

Vivendi May Split Off SFR into Separate Company

France's Vivendi is reportedly considering splitting off its French mobile network subsidiary, SFR into a separate company to help deal with its debt problem. ...more.

Vivendi May Miss Financial Deadline for Sale of Maroc Telecom Stake

French conglomerate, Vivendi does not expect to close on the sale of a majority stake in its North African subsidiary before the end of this financial year. ...more.

Vivendi Cancels Sale of Brazilian Subsidiary

French conglomerate, Vivendi has cancelled the sale of its Brazilian subsidiary, GVT after the highest bidder pulled out from the talks. ...more.

Bouygues Telecom Granted Approval to Deploy LTE Services in 1800Mhz Spectrum

The French mobile network, Bouygues Telecom has been granted conditional approval to refarm some of its existing 1800Mhz spectrum for use by its LTE network. ...more.

Skype Facing Prosecution in France for Regulatory Breaches

VoIP based telephone service provider, Skype has been reported to the French prosecutors after it allegedly ignored several requests to register formally as a telecoms operator with the French regulators. ...more.

French Networks May Be Asked to Terminate National Roaming Pact

France's Competition Authority has ruled that the French mobile networks, Iliad and Orange cannot extend their national roaming agreement. ...more.

Numericable May Launch Takeover Bid for France's SFR

The French cable TV operator, Numericable is reportedly preparing an offer to buy the French mobile network, SFR from its indebted parent company, Vivendi. ...more.

France Telecom Full Year Profits Fall by Nearly 80 Percent

France Telecom-Orange has announced a 79% fall in profits for last year and warned of a difficult year ahead. ...more.