PARIS -- France Telecom and Deutsche Telekom are to join forces in selected areas of innovation and Research and Development (R&D). The CEOs of France Telecom and Deutsche Telekom, Thierry Breton and Kai-Uwe Ricke, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to this effect in Paris today. The MoU defines the cornerstones of cooperation. France Telecom and Deutsche Telekom aim to, for example, develop future-oriented applications and services for next-generation networks and for intelligent access technology in future.

Thierry Breton, CEO of France Telecom, said: "Innovation is a key driver for sustainable growth for operators in the communication sector; partnership in innovation between global operators as France Telecom and Deutsche Telekom will accelerate the development of the communication market in Europe, putting our customers at the center of their communication network."

Kai-Uwe Ricke, CEO of Deutsche Telekom, emphasized: "Innovation is an essential driver of profitable growth for both Deutsche Telekom and France Telecom. Together, both our companies can play a significant role for Europe as a location for the industry. By working together in research and development projects, Deutsche Telekom and France Telecom want to play an active role in shaping the telecommunications market of the future."

France Telecom SA

Deutsche Telekom AG