Very interesting article. And I must say that you have a talent for coming up with catchy titles for your articles. Giscardpunk!
I am curious how much the French government spent on each of these projects that you mentioned. The TGV and nuclear industry look pretty wise in hindsight. I think these put France in a much better economic position than the rest of Europe.
One problem Minitel had getting traction outside of France is many of France peer incumbent telecom providers like AT&T were under severe anti trust pressures and starting a Minitel type service would have only exacerbated them. In France at that time in particular this was not an issue.
Very interesting article. And I must say that you have a talent for coming up with catchy titles for your articles. Giscardpunk!
I am curious how much the French government spent on each of these projects that you mentioned. The TGV and nuclear industry look pretty wise in hindsight. I think these put France in a much better economic position than the rest of Europe.
Thanks! Agree - I don't have the exact numbers at hand but a cost-benefit analysis to confirm would definitely be interesting.
Would be nice to cite the creator of GiscardPunk...
https://giscardpunk.florentdeloison.fr/
Fair point - added! And great to see you on Substack!
One problem Minitel had getting traction outside of France is many of France peer incumbent telecom providers like AT&T were under severe anti trust pressures and starting a Minitel type service would have only exacerbated them. In France at that time in particular this was not an issue.
Thanks, that's a great insight!