June 4 decision on Orange Sport return

The Paris Court of Appeal says it will rule on whether Orange Sport can return to the market in its present form on June 4.

Owner France Telecom stands accused of unfairly bundling the channel as part of its TV, telephony and internet package.

An initial ruling by the Paris Tribunal of Commerce ordered Orange to cease the bundling of the channel in a challenge brought by Free, SFR and Canal+ Group. Orange subsequently suspended the marketing of the channel.

The company says there is no argument in the use of triple play as a marketing device given that it is a practice also followed by Free and SFR.