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Orange fined €350m in France for market abuse

French anti-trust authority said Orange, formerly France Telecom, kept business clients from switching to competitors' phone services.

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Telecoms firm Orange has been fined €350m (£254m) for abusing its market dominance in France, reports the BBC.

The country's anti-trust authority said Orange, which was formerly France Telecom, kept business clients from switching to competitors' phone services.

The firm will not appeal against the decision, and said it would adapt its practices based on the ruling.

An Orange spokesman said the fine would have "no impact" on financial results.

Orange used anti-competitive discounts to discourage business customers from leaving, the Autorité de la Concurrence said.

The firm also used discriminatory practices toward other fixed-line operators that lacked access and inside information about France's copper line network.

Read more of this report from the BBC.