Branson criticises changes in French mobile phone system

0 Comments | AFP, May, 2007

PARIS (AFP) — Richard Branson, head of phone company Virgin Mobile, was quoted Saturday as saying a new French system allowing subscribers to change mobile operators in 10 days was still too lengthy a process.

French newspaper Journal du Dimanche quoted the British tycoon as saying he was not entirely satisfied with the system to be introduced Monday, even though it was "a big step in the right direction and excellent news for consumers."

In an interview released ahead of publication Sunday, Branson said the new 10-day period required to be able to change an operator while keeping the same telephone number was still too long.

In Britain and elsewhere it was possible to change from one day to the next, he said.

"I don't see why French consumers cannot...