Sarkozy Wades In

The licensing of a fourth operator, always a bumpy ride, has now been further complicated as the French President has decided to wade in. According to Reuters, Nicolas Sarkozy has described himself as 'sceptical and reserved' on the wisdom of the current bidding process for a fourth mobile network operator to the market. Market leading operator France Télécom has also expressed dissatisfaction with the auction process as it feels the licence has been undervalued and has said it will appeal to the European Commission if the eventual price remains too low. It is not entirely clear whether President Sarkozy's comments relate to doubt over the auction process or doubt over the introduction of a fourth operator at all.

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