The battle between ARCEP, the telecoms regulator, and the Ministry of Industry (through the National Frequency Agency) about the extent of actual coverage of the network of Free Mobile reveals an unprecedented reality. Free Mobile have actually deployed a network covering 27% of the population, as he had promised. But this network is not used by its 1.5 million subscribers, mostly transiting through that of its rival Orange.
This situation is probably temporary, but it calls into question one of the very principles of the 1996 Act on the opening of the telecom market, which promotes competition investment. To be operator of right, we must invest in its own network. Otherwise, it is a mere reseller of airtime, as Auchan Mobile. This principle of law is based on two ideas: it is necessary to stimulate investment in technology and jobs and we have to play the full benefits of competition as an operator with a network is able to offer innovative services.
This is why France has opted for the construction of four mobile network operators for four different full function. Under this principle, Bouygues Telecom has embarked on the adventure of moving in 1996 without using a roaming agreement. The law could have imagined another option: a single network shared among all operators, as is the case with that of Réseau Ferré de France, which will be used to train competitors for SNCF.
Today, the problem is that Free Mobile plays it both ways. Taken to extremes, this precedent could lead mobile operators to choose to play on the roaming network of next generation 4G, which would reduce investment.
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Car sales in the U.S. reached their highest level in four years last month. Nearly 1.15 million vehicles were sold, 15.7% higher than February last year, according to figures from Autodata firm. The latter states that annualized seasonally adjusted, this represents 15.1 million vehicles. The most since February 2008!
While gasoline prices rose 10% in February compared with January, the fuel efficient cars are spared Thurs Toyota, for example, recorded better results than expected with sales up 12.4%, with an increase of 52% for the Prius and 60% for all of its hybrid models of all brands. Figures from other Japanese manufacturers are also very well oriented: Honda saw its sales rise 12.3% to 110,157 units and Nissan from 15.5% to 106,731 vehicles.
For his part, General Motors, which has just completed an agreement with the French PSA, recorded 1.1% growth in sales year on year to 209,306 vehicles. This figure exceeds expectations, while leaders of the global market leader company provide a good year in 2012. The Chevrolet brand door activity, while sales of its big Cadillac erode by 27%. Ford sales up 14% year on year, reaching 179,119 units, with a doubling of sales for the Focus. Those of Chrysler, the number three in the U.S. market, even soar by 40%, to 133,521 vehicles. The group controlled by Italy's Fiat said it is the 23rd consecutive month of sales, with a growth rate exceeding 20% for nine consecutive months cash till payday.
Market shares redistributed Chrysler start, GM back
With the surge in sales, the Chrysler brand has seen its U.S. market share grow to 11.3% against 9.6% last year. Conversely, that of General Motors declined to 18.2% against 20.8% a year earlier, as Ford has eroded to 15.5% against 15.7%, while Toyota was down to 13 , 9% against 14.3%, while Honda was down 9.6% against 9.9% and Nissan remained stable at 9.3%, according to data from Autodata.
Common to all manufacturers: their optimism for the coming year. Besides the economic upturn, they emphasize the need for replacement of vehicles in which the average age is high.
"If gasoline prices continue to rise, people will perhaps reduce their discretionary spending, but if employment improves, they will need to buy cars to work," noted Jenny Lin, Ford economist. For his part, Don Johnson, GM, concludes: "We do not believe that short-term fluctuations in gasoline prices will stop rising sales of GM and the industry in a better position that three years ago. "
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Visa Europe and MasterCard compete imagination to make their cards more attractive. Thus, Visa deploys a program of benefits for some 4.2 million Visa cardholders Prime. They now benefit from price reductions in a list of partner stores (Sephora, Lapeyre, Opinion …) by simply presenting a coupon to download on the Internet (visa.fr). April 1, this program will be expanded to Lenotre, ready-to-wear or Bensimon to Nature and Discovery. "Historically, the world of credit cards was rather that of the travel and leisure. Now the goal is to approach the everyday consumer, "says Catherine Soubirou, partnership manager at Visa Europe. MasterCard, meanwhile, has developed an online shopping mall which also offers discounts to holders of the Gold card.
But for the most prestigious cards, these benefits are not enough. The 150,000 holders of a Visa Infinite card will then be offered, to April 1, new services very chic. As Jet Taxi, which for 2200 euros an hour, take four people in Le Bourget to the destination of their choice. Or the opportunity to attend events are difficult to access (the Grand Prix of Monaco Formula 1, the Cannes Film Festival …).
Extensions guarantees
Open doors to places or events was the confidential trademark of the very VIP Centurion Card from American Express. The same idea will wow now the holders of other cards. MasterCard has already embarked on this path, imagining private parties for its Platinum card holders who dream of visiting a quiet art exhibitions or attend concerts circle. A taste for the Parisians, what awaits them when Paris will join the Priceless Cities program, launched by MasterCard in New York last summer and launched from London and Toronto. It offers cardholders Platinum – but for some offers, a Gold – privileges: previews or priority seating for events to, in the highest rated restaurants
.
"Exclusive offers, which consumers aspire today," says Francois Gandon, marketing manager of MasterCard France. Thus, the card interest is not limited to insurance they offer … even if they are perfected. Visa is for example to review his.
The foreign assistance was not playing in the event of natural disaster? This exclusion has been removed. Children of divorced or separated parents received guarantees only if the parent traveling with the cardholder? They are now protected even if they move without him. "The goal is to avoid maximum disappointment of our customers, guarantees on misunderstood or exclusions that surprise them," says Emmanuel Robert, head of product offers from Visa Europe France.
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Air France had played down the incident last week. Its CEO, Alexander Juniac, changed his tune on Thursday by announcing that the airline had suspended the maintenance of its aircraft by China Taeco. Mid-November, an Airbus A340 that had just been completely revised in China had to be immobilized in Boston after the discovery of thirty missing screws on a panel fairing. "We stopped sending our aircraft at the moment," said the boss of Air France on a visit to Beijing quick payday loan. An internal investigation into the incident of the A340 is in progress, and should last "a few days," he said.
Taeco, headquartered in Xiamen, southeast China, has also opened an investigation into the incident Tuesday. The Chinese maintenance company is a leader in the maintenance of large aircraft and works including Lufthansa, British Airways, American Airlines, JAL and Emirates.
December 1st,2011
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From our correspondent in Washington
American giants distribution keep their cool. The absolute record of purchases in one day is certainly to be beaten after the national holiday of Thanksgiving.
This Friday, malls and independent stores in the United States sold more than 11.4 billion worth of goods. But up from last year about 7% of purchases this Black Friday (known since the 1960 Black Friday in the sense of "black people") does not necessarily mean that the holiday season, crucial for annual profits of distributors, will be memorable. The purchasing power of Americans do not progressing. Only by drawing on their modest savings that households increased their spending in the fall.
To draw in their paths some 152 million Americans, most major retailers like Wal-Mart, Target and Best Buy have dared to open their doors in the middle of the night from Thursday to Friday. Offering discounts up to 60%, they mobilized a group of customers eager to use after months of deprivation. Commerce online has participated in the movement also offering exceptional discounts. Friday and for 24 hours, Apple has reduced by 10% and the prices of its popular digital tablets. The net impact of these promotions on margins in the industry to be determined. Monday is called Cyber Monday.
At the bedside of the euro area. The major world leaders meet for two days, Thursday and tomorrow in Cannes for a G20 summit which could be captured by the debt crisis. And the Greek problem.
Last night, hours before the summit, Nicolas Sarkozy and German Chancellor Angela Merkel put pressure on Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou. It wants a referendum on the European rescue plan for his country. French and German leaders asked him an ultimatum: "the question to the Greek people come down to this: do you want it not to remain in the euro area?"
24:37: "Finally, the G20 officially begins, says Cyrille LACHEVRE, Special Envoy of Figaro in Cannes.Nicolas Sarkozy welcomes everyone while Europe, meeting in Council emergency continues to struggle online payday loans. "
24:18: "The EU treaties do not provide output in the euro area without leaving the European Union, the European Commission confirms the sidelines of the G20, about Greece. The only option on the table is that Greece is the euro. "
24:10: immediate response of the Secretary General of the Greek prime minister to the call of the deputies of the majority: George Papandreou "did not resign, will not resign."
24:09: The Greek Socialist MEPs propose a coalition government led by former Vice President of the European Central Bank Lucas Papademos, according to Reuters citing sources internal to PASOK, the socialist party majority
12:08: "The extraordinary summit between EU leaders continues.
It is the opinion more dangerous than others. That the member Martine PS Martinel just given to the Committee of Cultural Affairs as part of the passing of the Finance Act, sets fire to the powder in public broadcasting. Requires pre-election period, no doubt, is the set of reforms since 2008 who is harshly criticized, whether that of France Television as Audiovisual outside France (AEF). Even the men who are now in place are not immune to criticism. Little detailed review:
As for the AEF, the report by Martine Martinel denounces the "unrealistic financial trajectory proposed by the AEF and accepted by a confidence that can be described as blind by the State." Particularly with regard to advertising. "This led the AEF has requested a budget increase in 2011."MP sees this as the main cause of the lack of perspective of the state as the group itself that led the General Inspectorate of Finance to intervene in the summer. However, the member is concerned that "the national representation there is still no access."
It also criticized the management of the CEO, Alain de Pouzilhac, saying "the list of errors of management is already long enough and sufficient breach of trust used to put an end to the appointment of Mr. Alain de Pouzilhac ".
In the process, the MP also questions "the merger of RFI and France 24, it considers reform conducted forced march and which neither the need nor the utility are proven." However, Martine Ravinel advocates rapprochement between France and the 24 public group France Televisions.
France Televisions, however, is not immune to the report of the Socialist MEP.The latter believes that the 2008 reform has been to reduce advertising on France Televisions has a balance sheet "very negative". She asserts that the reform had a "zero impact of the abolition of advertising on the audience." It also is concerned "to a funding threatened and does not guarantee the necessary visibility to the group" as the organization itself of the company. It is particularly cautioned the government against "a lack of reference to employees" within the "single undertaking". Finally, Martine Martinel denounced at once "no channel dedicated to youth" and the need to "modernize France 3".
Explosive, this report could nullify in advance of the Commission's thinking on foreign broadcasting, chaired by MP Michèle Tabarot UMP. Yet its members do not want to change the schedule."Before giving our conclusions, we firstly audition Alain Juppe, foreign minister, who said he wanted to get involved in the matter, but also about the findings of the Inspectorate General of Finance," says Christian Kert , UMP deputy of Bouches du Rhone.
However, the options are continuing to clarify:
-Members of the opposition and the majority still stand on the issue of the merger of France 24 and RFI, as the two solutions would they be supported and at the discretion of the government.
-Governance structures to isolate the CEO of the AEF of different operational functions to avoid a repetition of the pattern Pouzilhac / Ockrent.
-The Commission may recommend synergies in terms of content between France Television and France 24.In this case, France Televisions could be invited to the board of the AEF.
-Finally, the Commission could recommend only the tutelage of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
This is the week of Nov. 24 that the Commission could then make its own report.
The opening of a new generation of "palaces" some months apart, Le Royal Monceau (opened October 18, 2010), Shangri-La (December 17, 2010) and Mandarin Oriental (28 June 2011), has changed as ever the small world of luxury hotels in Paris, forcing the oldest palaces in a serious challenge. In this new context, the Ritz is not alone in having to close for repairs.
Reportedly, Le Crillon, recently sold by Starwood Capital to one of the descendants of the Saudi royal family, plans to close in the second half of 2012, probably for a period of two years. Management has already attacked the facade and roof, but not inside. The idea is to keep the French style, classic 18th, upgrading the hotel, he in turn can officially claim the distinction of "palace", introduced in May by the government.The hotel has no spa, no pool. The technical installations and the rooms have aged. According to a close case, the amount of work would be between 70 and 100 million euros. Not far from the Place de Concorde, the Plaza is also preparing for months of work, avenue Montaigne. "The Plaza Athénée will start the work of great importance following the acquisition of three buildings adjacent to the hotel last year, says Le Figaro Francois Delahaye, his boss cash advance no fax. These projects are planned for the end of 2012.Among the possibilities, a closure is planned for five months, from November 2012. "
According to Gabriel Matar, director of Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels France, the average price of a night in a palace of between 750 and 1000 euros, "defending his position became increasingly difficult as competition comes from both new entrants and old, who spend millions to keep the quality of their product. " For the record, the George V was completely renovated between 1997 and 1999. "Otherwise, it would be today as the Royal Monceau and The Prince of Wales prior to closing," said Gabriel Matar."We currently have the best average revenue per room in Paris and we did not want to raise our market share by newcomers!" Says François Delahaye.
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A debt crisis could lead to another. The Greek fire is not yet off the government needs to rush to the bedside of local authorities and their bank moribund, the sulfur Dexia. Not a week goes by without a large community calls upon the State to the rescue. At least 200 cities, councils, hospitals and housing associations are home loans on their books "toxic" with huge interest rates have put their finances at risk. Listed, some heavyweights as Saint-Etienne, Marseille, Grenoble, but also the urban community of Lille and the General Council of Seine-Saint-Denis. To reopen the tap credit to communities that provide 75% of the investment in the country, the government had to address the problem urgently Dexia.Will this be enough there?
Last month, the government has activated for the first time a special support fund created in late 2010 for the departments in need. The beneficiaries are seven departments (six rural) whose debt is massive, and revenues, almost entirely absorbed by the distribution of welfare. Hitherto considered the spoiled children of decentralization, regions require the State to review the financing of rail, now they consider "untenable" for their budgets low interest rate personal loans.
The alarm level is reached. In ten years, spending communities have increased by 60%, and local taxes, 45%! These figures are staggering.Whose fault? A lax politicians and poor managers who prefer to treat their customers (36,000 hiring officials last year when the state removed 34,000 positions)? The lack of political will of the state, hostage to local barons? Bankers incendiary? To have the heart net, Le Figaro Magazine has plunged into the accounts of local authorities, was shelled and analyzed partnered with the Thomas More Institute and Public Evaluation System.Inspiring!
"Cities: heat stroke on taxes (pdf)
"Departments: the weight of social spending (the Ain to the Haute-Garonne)
"Departments: the weight of social spending (the Gers in Puy-de-Dôme)
"Departments: the weight of social spending (in the Pyrenees-Atlantique to Val d'Oise)
"Region: always a sacred way of life
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The Deposit and Consignment Office now holds precisely 5.002% stake in Club Méditerranée, against 2% previously. Crossed a threshold in the financial management of the Fund that the judge attractive share price Club Med (13.40 euros, representing a market capitalization of 404 million euros, down 13% since the beginning of the year).
But the strengthening of the CDC, regarding the Club Med, a symbolic value. Between the public institution and the flagship of the French tourism, relations have always been close. In 2009, when Club Med was jostled by Bernard Tapie and various takeover rumors, the Deposit had dam, committing to purchase if necessary to a capital increase, finally buckled from other investors.Today, with 5% of the round, the CDC is involved in the consolidation of the company led by Henri Giscard d'Estaing.
Strategy carried out in several stages. Last year, the highlight had been the arrival of the Chinese Fo Sun, also a partner in the Club in the Middle Kingdom. The Deposit and Management of Morocco, also an industrial partner, is also installed in the capital. The French Caisse des Depots, for which tourism is a strategic activity, also maintains links with the business club, which it funds such as the site of Valmorel.
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