French ISP increases rates, blames HADOPI

French ISP “Free” has increased the price for its services. In doing so, it points an accusatory finger at HADOPI, the French administrative body tasked with tracking down, warning and eventually sanctioning file-sharers who refuse to change their behaviour. Also, the VAT increased by 1% as of 2011. According to Free, the increase was “inevitable” (link in French).

As an example, the ISP cites their package that used to cost 29,99. Forced by the cost of enforcement and the increased tax burden, so they claim, this package now costs 35,98, an increase of 5,99. On a yearly basis, this means subscribers pay an additional 72 euro a year.

In August, it was estimated that enforcing the HADOPI law cost 50 million a year to enforce.

France, in 1999, counted 23,8 million households of which 63% enjoyed internet access in 2009. Even if but ten per cent of these connected households would be subscribed via a plan with a similarly increased price, and if that plan would be the only one with a price hike (which is very unlikely), this would yield all but 108 million euro. That is already more than twice the estimated increased burden. It would appear that the increase in price would more than offset the increase in cost caused by HADOPI, so Free’s stance is not entirely fair.