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€1bn threat over ADSL line failures
Landline phone and network operator Orange faces fines of up to a billion euros over successive failures of its ADSL service.
Orange admitted to MPs that 600,000 users across France had lost internet, TV and phone for hours and even days.
Telecoms regulator Arcep saw a “significant growing degradation in service” and reminded Orange it had a duty to provide a quality national service.
It could be fined up to 5% of its business – possibly €1billion – for missing seven of its 12 obligations, including quick set-up of new lines and prompt response to repairs and complaints.
Orange blames weather and cable thefts but consumer groups noted a lack of spending on the copper network as it was replaced by a faster and more reliable optical service.
Anyone with problems can ask Arcep (jalerte.arcep.fr) for action and compensation.
