European framework program for research and development

Since 1984, the European Union has supported telecommunications research and the deployment of service networks.

For the period 2003-2007, the Sixth Framework Program, FP6 has budgeted EUR3.6 billion for work on the Information Society Technologies" (IST).

France Telecom's r&d participates in some 50 projects under the auspices of FP5 and FP6 in partnership with manufacturers and other research bodies. (Universities and r&d centers)