Hutchison Telecommunications Ltd wants to get into the data broadcasting market in France, and is one of four companies that have put in bids for one of the two licences on offer; the other three contenders are France Telecom, construction group Bouygues SA and Cofira SA, investment arm of Compagnie Generale des Eaux SA; the rules set by the Ministry of the PTT are that the two networks must be permanent, they offer unrestricted access to all comers and must provide coverage, over time, of at least 60% of the country; they are due to be awarded before the end of the year.
