FRENCH TELEMATICS: HISTORY, POLICY AND PROJECTS

Abstract

Telematics dates from 1978 when it was used to designate the growing overlap between computers and telecommunications. The initial phase was the provision of an electronic substitute for the telephone directory. The free distribution of Minitels was followed by the Teletel 3 V experiment which gave a test population access to a wide range of services. A special billing system had to be developed. Telematics has been extended to the industrial world and business relations.