ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the broadband strategies of the four major Western European telecommunication service providers: British Telecom (BT), Deutsche Telekom (DT), France Telecom (FT), and Telefonica. Broadband connections are fast, 'always on', and theoretically enable the Internet to deliver a wide range of media services while also meeting the data needs of small-to-medium size enterprises (SMEs). Starting with the formation of British Telecom in the United Kingdom in 1981, European governments began first to separate telecommunications operations from the PTT structure, and then to authorise limited competition with the government-owned firms. Deutsche Telekom is generally regarded as a strong national firm that has been slow to expand into other markets. Deutsche Telekom is successful in its home market, but has not developed as a regional or international force in mobile telephony. France Telecom is intent on maintaining its market leadership in France while enhancing its competitive position in the rest of Europe, a posture enhanced by recent strategic moves.
