AOL France threatens to pull unlimited access

Stephane Treppoz, chairman of AOL France, called on France Telecom to lower its interconnection charges so more ISPs can offer unmetered access. He told the National Assembly that France could be ahead of the internet connection race if it offered a cheaper way for citizens to go online.

Treppoz called for government-run France Telecom to lower the current rates it charges for ISPs to rent telephone lines for offering internet services.

He said: "There is a solution that allows all French consumers equipped with a simple telephone line to profit from the internet under accessible and transparent financial conditions, while being free from the cost of a local call. This is the principal barrier to the democratisation of the internet in France today."

Treppoz said this rate has already been undertaken in the UK, Germany, Netherlands and Spain. AOL wants to encourage other ISPs and consumer associations to take the initiative and follow its example.

Treppoz claimed the average time spent online in France each day is only 20 minutes compared to one hour in the United States where the flat rate for connection charges applies.

"France Telecom charges the same rate for internet traffic as it does for voice traffic. Instead of charging in this 'per minute' method it should charge a flat rate. We want them to stop the clock for consumers. There is a solution to internet access for all and it is to charge a flat rate, regardless of surfing time," said an AOL spokesman

France Telecom said it was open to the proposal and is studying it.