ERIC_NO:
ED309469
TITLE:
Applying the French Minitel Model to U.S. Consumer Videotex: The Case of the Electronic Directory Service.
AUTHOR:
Dupagne, Michel
PUBLICATION_DATE:
1989
ABSTRACT:
In view of the recent deregulatory developments in the United States' telecommunications industry, it is useful to reassess the issue of consumer
videotex, especially as it relates to the implementation of electronic
directory services. The success of the French videotex network Minitel
relies on 10 principles: (1) cost of terminals; (2) no-frills terminals;
(3) understanding the needs and wants of videotex users; (4) proper timing
of introduction; (5) centralized authority to manage the videotex system;
(6) organizing competition in a favorable regulatory environment; (7)
long-range goals orientation; (8) consolidated billing policy; (9)
single-standard system; and (10) individualized mass medium. To examine
how major U.S. telecommunications companies perceive the establishment
of an electronic directory service, a mail survey was sent to 12 executives
in charge of planning and development in seven Regional Bell Operating
Companies and five independent telephone companies. Ten returned completed
questionnaires. Findings indicated that the Bell Companies are very likely
to offer electronic white and yellow pages in the near future, while the
independent companies seemed unlikely to do so; that telecommunications
companies perceived it as unlikely that they will supply low-cost terminals
for electronic white pages in the near future; and that the endorsement
of a common standard is not likely. (Three tables of data are included
and 101 references are attached.) (SR)
MAJOR_DESCRIPTORS:
Directories; Information Networks; Information Technology; Videotex;
MINOR DESCRIPTORS:
Computers; Delivery Systems; Electronic Equipment; Foreign Countries; Occupational Surveys; Online Systems; Telecommunications;
IDENTIFIERS:
France; Minitel; *Telephone Directories; United States
PUBLICATION_TYPE:
143; 150