When it comes to the web, the French 'make haste slowly'

Show a French person the net, and you'll get a Gallic shrug of the shoulders...

By Graham Hayday, 22 August 2001 07:40

NEWS The French are showing a distinct lack of passion for the internet: only one in five of the population have an internet connection at home. And the immediate future doesn't look too bright either: a mere six per cent are considering getting online in the next year, and more than half have no plans to embrace cyberspace - ever. Thirty seven per cent of UK households now have net access. A report prepared for the French Ministry of Finance, Economy and Industry identified several key factors in the sluggish take-up: the low number of PCs owned by the French; the cost of telephone calls; the slow spread of broadband; and the ever-green Minitel service, which is still found in a quarter of French homes. The report, called The Internet: the French Make Haste Slowly, says: "Home connection will probably not be a reality for the bulk of the population for a long time."

Post your comment

In order to post a comment you need to be registered and logged in.

Log in or create your silicon.com account below

Will not be displayed with your comment

By signing up for this service, you indicate that you agree to our Terms and Conditions and have read and understood our Privacy Policy.

Questions about membership? Find the answers in the Membership FAQ