French telecom giant Orange fined $381 million for abusing market dominance

PARIS – Telecommunications group Orange SA has been fined 350 million euros ($381 million) for abusing its market dominance in France.

Orange said it would adapt its practices based on Thursday's ruling by France's competition authority, which ends eight years of litigation. Orange, the former French state phone monopoly, now has operations across Europe, the Mideast and Africa.

Orange spokesman Tom Wright said the fine was the result of a settlement and will have "no impact" on financial results. The company will not appeal.

The anti-trust authority said Orange abused its market position to keep business clients from switching to competitors' mobile phone services, notably through the accumulation of low-price offers. The watchdog also outlined discriminatory practices toward other fixed-line operators lacking access and inside information about France's copper line network.