Minitel

Minitel is 20 years old: France's 'mini-internet' started about the same time as Knight Ridder's Viewtron ... with better results.

Archive 2003-05-01 liz donovan 2003

The French postal service was the first to bring these concepts to a mass consumer audience when it launched a national online service there called Minitel in 1982.

The Facebook Effect David Kirkpatrick 2010

One example of network economies of scope in a knowledge-based industry is France Telecom’s videotex system known as Minitel.

Executive Economics SHLOMO MAITAL 1994

One example of network economies of scope in a knowledge-based industry is France Telecom’s videotex system known as Minitel.

Executive Economics SHLOMO MAITAL 1994

The Minitel was ordered up by the French government in the late 1970s as part of an initiative to get people to share information and, eventually, reduce the consumption of paper.

France Télécom to Bid Adieu to Minitel Max Colchester 2011

PARIS—Next year, Minitel—France's precursor to the Internet—will finally meet its maker.

France Télécom to Bid Adieu to Minitel Max Colchester 2011

"Its success was that it allowed people all over France to access a whole new world of information," says Tariq Krim , the chief executive of French start-up Jolicloud, who learned to program software using a Minitel.

France Télécom to Bid Adieu to Minitel Max Colchester 2011

Getty Images A Minitel terminal, displayed in 2001.

France Télécom to Bid Adieu to Minitel Max Colchester 2011

Fading Out Minitel, a text-only service that took off in France before the Internet did, will close next year.

France Télécom to Bid Adieu to Minitel Max Colchester 2011

Minitel popularity peaked in 2002, when around nine million French homes were equipped with a screen.

France Télécom to Bid Adieu to Minitel Max Colchester 2011