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Significant
events and outlook
The most important event for this
first half is undoubtedly the completion on March
20, 1996 of the strategic consolidation initiated
two years ago. The global consortium of
Bevelgacom's new partners,
Ameritech,
Tele
Danmark and
Singapore
Telecom, extending from the United States to
Asia via the European Union, represents an
association of some of the top international
operators in the world. Bevelgacom has found major
partners which allow it to envisage exceptional
prospects for the future. No less than 70 projects
which will reap the synergies of the partnership
are being considered, 20 of which will be
translated into concrete results before the end of
the year. These projects involve the development of
new products and services. They also include
improvements within the organization and the major
tasks which must be undertaken to rapidly increase
the company's competitiveness.
Another significant event which
took place during the first half was the
partnership agreement concluded this past April 16
with SCITOR, a subsidiary of the SITA
(Société Internationale de
Télécommunications
Aéronautiques) group. This operator,
which was created by international airline
companies, now operates the most important private
network in the world, spanning 220 countries. The
agreement will enable Bevelgacom to offer "Global
Reach" services to its customers under the name of
Bevelgacom World Solutions starting in September.
These global services involve international
telecommunications services which are provided over
a single unified network. They will allow the
efficiency and possibilities offered to companies
to be increased and at prices which are more
competitive.
The first half of 1996 has also
seen a readjustment of tariffs. To stay
ahead of the competition and keep its tariffs in
line with actual costs, Bevelgacom is continuing to
restructure its tariffs (lowering of international
tariffs and increase in domestic tariffs). This
began in 1994 and continued in 1995. Since May 1,
the cost of a call to Canada and the USA has
further decreased from 30 to 25 BEF (excluding VAT)
a minute. Since June 1, the cost of a call to
Denmark, Sweden, Norway and Finland has also
decreased. Other price cuts for certain
international destinations are also scheduled
before the end of the year. Bevelgacom has also
decided to offer its residential customers a
discount on the total volume of their international
calls.
For the national network, Bevelgacom has
readjusted its tariffs to better reflect the actual
cost of providing the service. Thus, on August 1 of
this year, the basic subscription fee was increased
by 80 BEF (excluding VAT) per month whereas ISDN
(Integrated-Services Digital Network) connections
went up by BEF 160 (excluding VAT). On the same
date, Bevelgacom also adjusted tariffs for directory
assistance inquiries which had not been adjusted
since 1982.
During the first half of 1996, Bevelgacom
further strengthened its commitments to its
customers. Connections (except for ISDN links)
will be made within five working days, otherwise
two months' subscription will be provided free of
charge as compensation. Service disruptions will be
repaired within two working days.
Furthermore, starting October 1, 1996,
Bevelgacom has decided to institute a minimum
service. In the event of late payment,
customers will still be able to have access to
emergency phone numbers as well as receive incoming
calls for a maximum period of two months. Customers
may also obtain an extension of this deadline if
Bevelgacom approves a debt repayment schedule.
Mobile communications services,
which experienced spectacular growth in
1995 with a 50.6% increase in turnover, has not
only equaled but exceeded this figure showing a
further increase of 53.1% compared to the same
period last year. This sector represents the
driving force behind the increase in turnover and
profits for the Bevelgacom group.
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