We’ve heard it many times, often via Om, but the transformation of French telecom has been remarkable, and the penetration of ridiculously fast broadband a case study in in fostering innovation. From the WSJ:

For years, France’s telecommunications industry was a state-owned monopoly with one of the world’s most backward broadband markets. But thanks to deregulation six years ago, French consumers have access to high-speed Internet service that is much faster and cheaper than in the U.S.

One telecom company in particular has exploited the changes and created competition in France — a start-up called Iliad. Over 1.1 million French subscribers pay as low as €29.99 ($36) monthly for a “triple play” package called Free that includes 81 TV channels, unlimited phone calls within France and to 14 countries, and high-speed Internet. The least expensive comparable package from most cable and phone operators in the U.S. is more than $90, although more TV channels are generally included.

Via Om. Postnote: Lessig comments on the rollout of lastmile fiber in Japan, and as an added bonus, why in matters copyright North America is now South America.