Advent of Computing Episode 13 - Minitel, the French Network Connection
Sep 22, 2019
Explore the fascinating rise of Minitel, France's ambitious proto-internet from the 1980s. Discover the national strategy to reduce dependence on American tech and create a homegrown digital infrastructure. Learn how the free distribution of Minitel terminals led to instant user adoption. Hear about interactive Videotex services, the early online shopping scene, and the social impact of chat rooms. Delve into how France's deliberate efforts fostered a vibrant digital landscape before the internet as we know it.
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Free Terminals Created Instant Users
- The French government distributed Minitel terminals for free to create an instant user base and low barriers to entry.
- They deliberately ordered free terminals from French manufacturers to funnel money into the domestic industry.
Centralized Stack Enabled Platform Growth
- Minitel ran on a government-controlled stack: Transpac backbone, analog phone gateways (PAVIs), and state-run directories.
- This centralization enabled integrated billing and strong platform control while allowing private services to operate.
Interactive Text With Built-In Billing
- Minitel used Videotex for two-way text interaction and Kiosk billing integrated into phone bills, simplifying commerce on the platform.
- This made service creation easy and profitable, since providers avoided building their own billing systems.
