10 euro broadband for lowest earners

LOW-INCOME families could get broadband internet and phone access for less than €10 a month under a new initiative.

The government wants to create a special cut-price rate to allow low-income households to get online. The idea is part of a new law on the "digital divide" that aims to address inequalities in web access.

It is working with telecoms watchdog Arcep, which published a report last autumn encouraging operators to offer a special package for low-earners. The group says a monthly bill of between €5 and €10 should be enough to allow basic broadband and online telephony.

Prime Minister François Fillion said he hoped all internet service providers would be able to offer the reduced rate within the next six months.

A survey by social research body Crédoc last June found that 22% of homes earning less than €900 a month had an all-in-one broadband and phone package - allowing them to make free or cheaper calls than France Telecom.

At the moment the cheapest broadband package on the market offering web, phone and TV is Numéricable's €19.90-a-month offer.

About half a million households already benefit from a special €6.49 monthly line rental rate for their France Telecom phone line - a special deal that has been available to low-income households since 1997. Similar schemes exist for electricity and gas suppliers EDF and GDF.