Virtual operators have built a true position

On Monday, the Post Office is officially launching its own mobile phone service for individuals, known as La Poste Mobile. Launched via the SFR network, it provides another example of diversification into telecoms. The opportunity to take stock of the growing power of these operators without their own network, but both rely on niche marketing and / or community to get a place alongside the historical giants such as Orange , SFR and Bouygues.

• What is a MVNO?

The acronym stands for MVNO Mobile Virtual Network Operator. Translated by "mobile virtual operator" or "no operator's own network," he means an operator who does not have spectrum or infrastructure.Appeared in France in 2005 to deregulate the telecom sector, so these new actors use an existing network, content to buy from the incumbent operators (Orange, SFR and Bouygues) of the minutes of their telephone then sell to their customers under their own brand, and to freely set their rates. The lack of investment, extremely heavy to develop its own network, allowing them to offer more competitive rates of around 15% to 30% depending on the offers. However, funding for equipment (reimbursement of part of the phone purchased at the time of signing the Contract) is often low or even zero. Hence the overall time commitment shorter than big operators.

• Who are the main MVNO?

According to the criteria Arcep (Regulatory Authority for electronic communications and postal services), are considered only MVNO operators virtual assets is not controlled mainly by a network operator. The first, and one of the oldest among them is Virgin Mobile, which uses the Orange network and accounts for about 2 million customers after a gain of 161,000 customers in the first quarter of 2011.Other MVNOs independent, we find NRJ Mobile, Omer Mobile (Virgin Mobile, Breizh Mobile, Mobile Casino, Mobile Tele 2) Afone, Auchan Telecom, Carrefour Mobile, Coriolis Telecom … According to Arcep, MVNOs controlled by operators network are German Debitel (SFR), Mobisud (SFR), Ten (Orange) and Neuf Cegetel (SFR).

• What is their weight against incumbents?

According to the latest figures from Arcep, the market share of these operators has reached 8.4% in the first quarter of 2011, 5.294 of customers / lines, against 7.5% a quarter earlier (4.7 million customers / lines). A jump rarely observed, partly due to terminations "without charge" offered by the incumbents when the VAT hike in telecom.In the first three months of the year, Orange, SFR and Bouygues have lost about 542,000 customers, cons 566,000 SIM cards earned by virtual operators. Long, these MVNOs have struggled to take off, remaining stuck on the 5% market share. In France, the number of virtual operators is generally the average of other European countries, but their relative weight remained below the European average (13%). To observers, the weight could quickly exceed 10%.

• Why market share has it difficult to take off?

At first glance, this growth remains weak. However, "at the time of their appearance there are 4 or 5 years, we would not bet on this rate of progress," an expert analysis of the sector.For cause, "the mobile market is marked by a certain inertia, with only 25% of subscribers who switch operators each year, for, most often spend an incumbent to another."

Especially since the captive customers of Orange, SFR and Bouygues is accentuated by long periods of time commitments (usually 12 or 24 months). With growth in the number of subscribers increases by a further 3 to 4% per year, "at the end, the MVNO capture each year between 9 and 10% of gross new subscribers," concludes the analyst. "In five years they have managed to build a position not so bad, with marketing means much more limited than those of larger operators."

• MVNOs are they a threat to Orange, SFR, Bouygues?

Certainly, the presence of these players has driven prices down, in a market long remained oligopolistic.However, network operators also have an interest in the existence of MVNOs, praising them as their network, and offering some of their services (voice, customer service …) they optimize the use of their infrastructure. They can also grow rapidly in population or niche clientele where they are still very present.Some MVNOs have indeed relied on population categories (geographic, cultural, ethnic, business, etc.). By taking control of the MVNO, the incumbent attracts new customers with offers less traditional but particularly well adapted to a particular population segment.

• The licensing 4G is it good news for these operators?

The terms of the call for tenders launched May 16 by the Ministry of Industry for the licensing of fourth generation (4G) to exploit frequency at very high speed, was a priori well received by MVNOs. They consider that the division of lots allows small operators to try their luck. However, unlikely that one of them decides to enter only the dance.Eric Besson, Minister of Industry, Energy and the Digital Economy, believes that "nothing prevents the entry of a fifth mobile operator (with Orange, SFR, Bouygues and Free ). But technically and financially, the operation would be a miracle.

"The ticket to a single lot on the frequencies in the 2.6 GHz band is 150 million euros, said an analyst in Paris. Now, a new entrant can hardly afford a single lot, as it would soon be limited in terms of throughput, and therefore very little competitive. " Moreover, beyond the high price of lots, the acquisition of licenses from a new entrant assumes that subsequently develops its own network, and thus it furnishes a hand in his pocket. For example, Free, who began to build its own 3G network after obtaining his license two years ago, has estimated its capital to 1 billion euros over five years.And this just for the antennas. Unless several MVNOs together to diversify the sector with network operators, only Free seems to be able to shake the current landscape.

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The Cac 40 advances

In the wake of a meeting of the rise in Japan, the Paris Bourse displayed in the green Friday. The Cac 40 gained 0.48% at the opening at 4047.54 points. INSEE and Bercy have improved their outlook for the French economy.

The National Institute of Statistics noted yesterday its growth forecast for the Hexagon in the first quarter. INSEE now expects a GDP increase of 0.6% over the period, and maintained its growth forecast of 0.4% for the second quarter. More good news: the Minister of Economy said Thursday night that the forecast deficit of France for 2011 is reduced to 5.7% of GDP as against 6% previously.The FO-FGTA whose representation rate exceeds 40% was followed by the CFDT, CGT and CGC.

The quotation of the EDF and EDF EN flilière (EDF EN) is suspended Friday pending a statement Payday advance.

The Lafarge Group (+1.64%) has resumed the sale of its "cast" Lafarge Gypsum, valued at 1.5 billion euros. Private equity funds are interested in taking over the division of "plaster" of cement, but are reluctant to bid for the entire division.

Walt Disney must hold a ceremony for the foundation stone of its theme park in Shanghai. This is a group of first park in mainland China.

Expedia, the online travel company announced Thursday its intention to split into two publicly traded companies, separating its activities Expedia and TripAdvisor.

Also expected today, the traffic figures for Air France (-0.52%) for the month of March.

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Aerospace has difficulty recruiting

"2010 was a year of promise and carrier of the future," says Jean-Paul Herteman, president of the group of French Aerospace Industries Association (GIFAS) and Chairman of the Safran Group, on progress achieved in 2010 of the aerospace industry French.

This industry has made last year a turnover of 36.8 billion euros, up 3.5%. Only 5 companies have thrown in the towel on Gifas 300 members. Tricolor leading exporters, manufacturers of aerospace and space achieved a turnover of 21.8 billion export.Orders that reach 42.9 billion euros, representing four years of work.

the euro-dollar continues to disadvantage the French industrial

A few weeks before the 49th Paris Air Show which runs from June 20 to 26, the recovery that began in 2010 is confirmed as the turnover is expected to grow "significantly" more than 5% this year. "We will go for growth. Our industry is wary of deep national roots. Our research centers, our production technology are the most in France, "says Jean-Paul Herteman while reaffirming that the euro-dollar continues to disadvantage because they make French industry most of their products in euro area sell in dollars.

The sector employs 157,000 workers, has hired 8,000 people last year. Engineers, technicians and skilled workers."We expect a continuation of our employment at increasing levels," says Jean-Paul Herteman. But some manufacturers will not reap all the orders because they have trouble attracting engineers, techicien and workers. "Major groups such as Airbus, Safran, Dassault have no worries. But recruiting is not easy for SMEs and mid-cap companies, "says Jean-Paul Herteman. "I have trouble finding employees for certain highly skilled positions that require 18 to 24 months of training. We propose yet real jobs with real talent. But our business, mechanics, suffers from a poor image despite efforts to make us known in technical schools, "says Louis Le Portz, chairman of the company Pack'Aero located in Vitrolles, which employs 200 people and has 15 million euros of turnover.

Two billion euros as part of large loan

The record of employment will be tomorrow a theme to THE AGENDA Meeting of the Strategic Committee of the spinning aircraft. This body brings together industrialists, trade unions, representatives of governments, and qualified individuals will also address the relationships between major groups and SMEs and corporate finance. SMEs are struggling to find money for their growth. "I had to limit the growth of sales to 20% this year while it was possible to do 40%" shows that Louis Le Portz has recently organized a half day with financiers.

Faced with a declining military budgets, the industry that invests 3-4% of its turnover in research, will receive 2 billion euros as part of Greater borrowing 1.5 billion for aeronautics and 500 million for space. 150 million have already been granted to the space industry. 550 million will be spent on the new helicopter X4 full range of Dauphin. 120 million are planned for the engines of the future. 120-130000000 for composite structures and the same amount for avionics.

Crash Rio-Paris: Air France indictment

Justice accelerates. 24 hours after Airbus, Air France, which was served on Friday's indictment for "manslaughter" as part of the investigation into the disaster of 447, the flight from Rio to Paris, which has been 228 victims on 1 June 2009.

While a fourth phase of research at sea to begin next week to find the wreckage of the aircraft and its black box and determine the conditions of this mysterious disaster, Judge Sylvia Zimmerman chose not to wait.

In the current survey, the questions focus on the Pitot probes (speed measuring device) which is icing is the cause of uncoupling of the device and then it disappeared. Numerous incidents of icing were recorded before the disaster: 32 between 2003 and 2009 and five in the world for the sole Air France between May and August 2008.Legally, Air France seems solid on this issue. In fall 2008, facing an upsurge in incidents of icing, exchanges took place between the company and the manufacturer on whether to change the probes Thales AA (those that were on the AF 447) by probes Thales latest type BA. Unanswered. In February 2009, four months before the accident, wind tunnel tests were conducted by Thales probes BA. In April, Airbus sent a letter to Air France to indicate that the last generation of probes Thales (the BA) had 'behavior much better. " The company had then decided immediately replacing probes Thales AA BA probes delivered at Paris in May 2009. These were to be installed on the aircraft of the Air France fleet in June. Too late to avert catastrophe.

Maintenance services exonerated

In this area, so it is rather the responsibility of the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) which is engaged. Despite the incidents, it has not produced any studies on the events related to the problems of Pitot probes before the disaster. It took until late August 2009, three months after the accident, that the agency requires the replacement of all sensors Thales equipping the European fleet by American models like Goodrich.

The criminal investigation also exonerated maintenance services for Air France. Tests conducted by investigators from 80 probes taken from the Air France aircraft revealed no abnormality.

Air France does appear to have been slow to take preventive measures in the training of crews to deal with these recurring incidents: specific simulator sessions at high altitude.He indeed was not until the fall of 2009, several months after the accident for the airline organizes a training flight when information loss anemometer consecutive icing on pitot probes. This is where the company is justified in the investigation stage.

Didier Migaud, it's not just the TFR reform

"In Germany, they were clean before us." This Sunday, Didier Migaud first President of the Court of Auditors, relied on the report of the institution on fiscal convergence between France and Germany to remind the Government that the tax reform should focus on removing tax loopholes . It is a matter to be "addressed first," he told the Europe 1 radio mic.

Didier Migaud, the finding is indeed clear: "The attitude of the income tax is too narrow and too often questioned."It calls for review of certain practices, such as "devices in Overseas" and "tax loopholes on corporate taxes" that may "cause problems" or "tax loopholes on tax income, which can be considered to excessive levels and contribute to the tax on income from a certain point, becomes regressive. It raises issues of tax justice, "he says.

Do not focus on the TFR

The president of the ECA is concerned that the current debate, focusing on the TFR, not moving in the wrong direction cheapest personal loan rates. Of course, "reform may well be envisaged" because this tax "now has a rate higher than the original even though the return on capital is now lower than at its inception" .However, the ISF must "not necessarily be the main topic" of discussion on tax reform, led by the government. "When you look at the weight of the ISF in the French tax system: 4 billion euros in revenues, while the overall property tax is around 33 billion euros," he recalls.

Conversely, tax loopholes should be the central concern "given the explosion we have witnessed in recent years," he says. He added that "the consequences of the 2011 decisions in terms of reducing fiscal and social niches are low. The student can do better. "

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The yuan hit record highs

The yuan rose to its highest level in nearly seventeen years on Monday morning, with a reference rate set at 6.5752 yuan to one dollar. Established by the central bank, this rate determines the point at which the currency can fluctuate plus or minus 0.5%. The Chinese currency reacts to statements by Prime Minister Wen Jiabao. The head of government reiterated yesterday the need to conduct an assessment "gradual" renminbi, another name for the Chinese currency, while considering a stronger yuan would help fight inflation. The increase in consumer prices has become the bane of the party, which fears it nourishes social unrest.

The party is reluctant to let its currency for fear of flying penalize its many exporting plants business card templates.The yuan has appreciated 3.8% since its drop of the greenback by the Chinese authorities announced last June to meet the developed countries who accuse the weakness of the yuan to dig the global trade imbalances. But that assessment is considered too low, particularly for the United States, leader of the international protest.

The Chinese premier also revised its growth forecasts downward by announcing a new target of gross domestic product growth of 7% after 2015, instead of the 7.5% target over the next four years.

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Spy: Defence dented Renault

Attacked on several fronts, the defense of Renault in spy case that affects suffered another setback. According to Le Canard Enchaine, the private detective believed to have conducted the investigation on the alleged treason Renault three frames-builder who caused their dismissal would-Luc Michel, an employee of Geos, a group specializing in competitive intelligence.

The satirical weekly said, however, approached by Renault, the company Geos officially refused the mission "believing that this work would involve illegal operations," according to what the boss Geos, Jean Heinrich, reported by the Canard Enchaine. Michel Luc would have acted alone.

Geos this correspondent based in Algiers had been hired by the manufacturer not to conduct the investigation, not from Algeria, "but to mediate presentable."The detective would have been responsible for charging the Mission 100,000 euros for an investigation by members directly recruited by Renault. The association of "investigators" would include the release of Renault "account numbers" and the names of companies, including one based in Hong Kong pay day advance.

"Empty the abysmal record"

Problem, "information is transmitted by telephone from Algiers, without any supporting document presentable," suggests the Chained Duck, "where the profound emptiness of the complaint, filed by Renault.

For now, questioned by AFP, Geos denies being contacted by Renault.The company has however indicated that one of his employees "took the initiative, as an individual and without consulting his superiors, to mediate contacts between Renault and third investigator."

Nevertheless, the private detective was asked to resign, what would have made yesterday, said Geos, which threatens to bring the case to court. Renault has not yet reacted to these new revelations.

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Towards a new record for Christmas SMS

The record is broken every year and 2010 is no exception to the rule operators are preparing for a new tidal wave of SMS for Christmas and especially for the night New Year's Eve.

Orange and expects a 40% increase with 275 million text messages sent by its customers on 1 January. SFR think beyond the threshold of 220 million SMS (+30%) on the night of Dec. 31. Bouygues Telecom expects 113 million SMS 31 and 195 million on 1 January, a total of 308 million text messages in two days (against 184 million last year). At the height of the evening, between midnight and 1 hour, "Orange anticipates a peak of 25,000 SMS per second, against 18,000 last year.Is thirty times more than ordinary day, "says Stephan Kanis, COO Orange services.

Especially, new this year, traders expect a flight of MMS (short message with pictures or video), because of the democratization of smartphones, such Apple's iPhone, which makes sending these messages much easier . While now a few clicks, they should be up by more than a third. Bouygues Telecom table even on a double to 1.2 million MMS Dec. 31 (against 608,000 last year) and 2.4 million on 1 January (cons 1.1 million).

No financial jackpot

If the networks are strained, operators, accustomed to these seasonal peaks, do not fear failure. Each year they are preparing by adding equipment in their "SMS centers, and building their teams.Orange will therefore mobilize additional 125 people, and SFR 70 people in the centers of supervision of their network, located in Paris and Lyon.

Despite these new records, operators should not even reach the level cap this year. For between the boom and the rise of smartphones with unlimited SMS packages, uses exploded. "There is no substitution of different media against each other. All are growing, "says Guillaume de Lavallade, director of network solutions of SFR.Moreover, voice calls, too, increase during the holidays, both fixed (three times more traffic) on the mobile (twice).

If these traffic spikes are not a financial jackpot for the operators (SMS are often already included in the packages and not charged more), they are for the operators a major showcase to demonstrate their technological know-how.

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The offensive power of the Renault-Nissan

This is the beginning of the offensive power of the Renault-Nissan. First model in the lineup, the Leafs Nissan will be launched from Japan on Monday. It must also be marketed this month in the U.S., then the next year in Europe, where she was voted "Car of the Year." 100% electric vehicles, which emit no pollutants or CO2, represent "a new way of looking at the car," said Carlos Ghosn, CEO of Renault-Nissan.

For now, more than 7,000 pre-orders have been recorded in the Archipelago and 20,000 in the United States, says Nissan. These pioneers are more urban, middle-aged, have high incomes and already own a car. Production began in late October on the site Oppama, near Tokyo. Nissan expects to produce nearly 10,000 cars by the end of March 2011. At full capacity, the plant released 50,000 copies a year.The Leaf will then be assembled in the United States, from the end of 2012, and Great Britain in 2013.

Carlos Ghosn is playing big on power. Renault-Nissan, which has invested 4 billion for the launch of four Nissan cars and four other Renault brand by late 2012, wants to become the market leader, it is estimated that 10% of global sales in 2020. He also dreams of raising the profile of its brands through the power, as Toyota has succeeded in symbolizing the hybrid technology.

The group is however only for the moment to have a vision so optimistic about the power. PSA Peugeot Citroen and Volkswagen estimate that this market will not exceed 5% of sales within a decade. Among the possible brakes: battery life, limited to 175 kilometers to the Leaf.Of charging stations will be installed in sufficient numbers to reassure users.

Battle with GM's Volt

Second obstacle, the price of models. But Renault-Nissan put on public funding in the first place savings account payday advance. The Leaf will be offered in Japan to 3.76 million yen (33,300 euros), but in reality that will cost 26,500 euros, after deduction of premiums for the purchase of "green" cars. United States, the car will be marketed to 32,780 dollars, which sum to be deducted a premium of $ 7,500 from the federal government, plus a discount of $ 5,000 in California. Is a potential reduction of $ 12,500!

Despite the increased costs of battery electric cars "will all be profitable over the period of their life cycle of six years," said Carlos Ghosn. To lower costs, Renault-Nissan relies on economies of scale.The group aims for 2013 an annual production capacity of 500,000 cars and batteries a year. But "it will take us to be able to produce between 500,000 and one million batteries per year" to lower costs significantly, "he added.

More cautious, all manufacturers have yet joined the race to electric. PSA Peugeot Citroën sells at the end of the year, in small amounts, appropriate models of the Mitsubishi iMiEV. Toyota and Honda hybrid specialists, have announced an electric model in 2012. But for now, the battle of communication will mainly be played with the American General Motors, which is launching its Volt U.S.. However, this is a hybrid model, equipped with an electric motor capable of traveling 56 kilometers and another heat, which then takes over. GM expects to produce 10,000 next year and 45,000 in 2012.The Volt is sold around 24,000 euros, after deduction of public assistance.

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Bouygues raised its target of annual turnover

A spirit of optimism on Bouygues. The construction group announced on Thursday a net profit of 391 million in the third quarter. Although down 18% year on year, this figure is above the 370 million expected by analysts. Operating profit was also above expectations at 700 million euros against 617 million expected. Bouygues had already reported last month a stability of its sales in the third quarter to 8.412 billion euros, exceeding even the expectations of observers.

In the first nine months of the year, the construction group posted a net profit after minority interests of 923 million euros and a turnover of 23.067 billion. Over this period, the best performance comes at TF1 posted revenues of 1.826 billion, up 12%. Bouygues Telecom saw its sales climb 5% to 4.146 billion."In the third quarter of 2010, 201,000 new customers have joined Package Mobile Bouygues Telecom bringing the total to 552,000 new customers since January 1, 2010, 23% of net market growth," said the group.

In contrast, the contribution of Alstom, Bouygues which holds about 31% of capital, net income fell 9% to 239 million euros at end September. The construction industry, meanwhile, still displays a turnover down 5% to 6.801 billion euros. Bouygues Immobilier's performance are "better than expected" to 1.769 billion euros despite a decline of 18%.

No direct entry into Areva

On this basis, the objectives are revised upwards."Good business and a better than expected sales in the first nine months of age can increase the target of 2010 sales of each business group for a total of 31 billion euros against 30.4 billion euros announced in August 2010, "the statement said.

"The backlog in the construction and real estate are solid books that will not negative elements on the turnover of 2011. There is no reason to believe that 2011 will be down compared to 2010 (for activities), "said Philippe Marien, the group finance director. "To Colas, wait until the beginning of the year to get a good view, that local authorities have passed their budget," he added.

Finally, during a conference call, Chief Financial Officer of Bouygues, Philippe Marien, took the opportunity to announce that the group ruled out any direct intervention in the capital of any possible reflection Arevacar happen by Alstom.

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