Interview with CEO of Neuf Cegetel

In an interview with La Tribune, CEO of Neuf Cegetel, Jacques Veyrat stated that the group, following the acquisition of Club Internet, expects growth of 70% in the second half of 2007, on a market expected to grow 50%. He stated that the broadband market should grow by 2.5mn, of which Neuf hopes to win 20% to 25%. Veyrat said that after the integration of Club Internet, 56% of the group's clients will be under the Neuf brand. By the end of 2008, he hopes that 90% of all the group's clients will be so.

All its corporate clients are already under the Neuf banner. Neuf has set an objective to reach a rate of de-subscription of 1% per month, that is 12% per year. Veyrat forecasts alliances between companies interested in very high speed Internet, including Neuf, Free and Noos-Numéricâble. He stated that such alliances will be necessary to compete in investment terms with France Télécom. Veyrat insisted that Neuf would not be a candidate for the fourth UMTS third generation mobile license due to the high price. He added the group prefers to wait until 2009-2010 when new frequencies are available.