Forrester Research on the French and New Technology

The vast majority (86%) of the French are set to be online and enjoying access to at least one online channel by 2006. This is according to the new Europemedia.net report from Forrester Research. The research also predicts that most French will in fact become multi-channel in the short term, breaking Minitel's long-held dominance.

The vast majority (86%) of the French are set to be online and enjoying access to at least one online channel by 2006. This is according to the new Europemedia.net report from Forrester Research. The research also predicts that most French will in fact become multi-channel in the short term, breaking Minitel's long-held dominance.

Forrester claims that the French currently have lower than average access to PC-based Web when compared with other European markets. This is largely due to the fact that they still harbour some unique concerns about the PC channel. Specifically, the medium is thought to suffer from not being 'French' enough. Some consumers also hold concerns over the security of using the Web, and this is acting, along with relatively low levels of French home PC ownership, to constrain use.

Aside of these local concerns of French consumers, Forrester estimates that the percentage of French consumers going online via a PC grew from 13% in 1999 to 22% by the end of 2000. The research also points to 7% as being owners of interactive DTV, the fastest growing new technology in Europe. Though WAP services have not yet taken off to any appreciable degree in France, many French consumers will, however, get WAP when they buy a new handset

Forrester concludes that the role of Minitel, France Telecom's own information network, is expected to reduce significantly in the near future as many more users continue to go online using PCs, WAP and interactive digital TV (DTV).

All articles 2006-22 written and edited by Mel Crowther and/or Nick Thomas unless otherwise stated.

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