Yesterday evening Monaco IQ attended a special event organized by Monaco Telecom for members of the British Association of Monaco.

A glass of champagne, a selection of canapes, and the chance to talk directly to Monaco Telecom's Products & Services Director, and two experts in communications and customer service. First, a presentation about the company itself, which was both entertaining and informative. We've recreated the company's time-line below, but excluded the world events of special interest to the audience. Cedric receives a gold star for his impressive ability to talk about England's Ashes triumph over Australia as if he really understood the cricket scores.

Throughout the presentation the audience was encouraged to ask questions:

• Are mobile tariffs comparable to those in France? (yes, although if you switch to Monaco Telecom you won't be able to keep your existing number)
• Can we get English language TV programs? (yes, later this year)
• Are there plans for voice over IP (VOIP) services? (yes, later this year)
• Why are fixed telephone services so expensive?

Above all, Monaco Telecom stressed that it was listening to customers. Several focus groups have been organized to understand what British and anglophone residents want. English speaking customer service agents are able to solve problems and reassure clients fast. High-use business customers can discuss specific needs with the company to arrange bespoke telecoms services.

As to the future, there are several things to look out for later this year that will bring big improvements, especially related to the Internet and television. High definition television (HDTV) is coming, with 20 out of 120 channels in HD quality. Anglophones and Brits can expect to tune in to the BBC and Eurosport. High-speed Internet through a new box at 30 megs (twice the current speed), and unlimited VOIP for fixed lines. Unlimited mobile phone communication, with special packages for children and for connecting to the UK.

Monaco Telecom time-line

• 1980 - Office Monegasque des Telephones (OMT) installs first public telephones in Monaco
• 1994 - GSM network established under the name Monacell
• 1996 - Monaco gets its own country code, +377
• 1997 - OMT becomes Monaco Telecom, aims to provide public telecoms to Monaco and develop international services
• 1999 - Vivendi Telecom International acquires 51% of Monaco Telecom, 49% remains with Government. Monaco Telecom wins management contract for Kosovo's mobile network
• 2003 - Signs GSM network operating contract in Afghanistan
• 2004 - Creation of subsidiaries Divona Telecom (Tunisia) and Divona (Algeria), both satellite operators
• 2005 - Cable & Wireless buys 49% of Vivendi's shares, Government own 45%, Compagnie Monegasque de Banque (CMB) 5%. Monaco Telecom signs deal with OnAir for airline passenger mobile communications
• 2006 - Dubai branch opens
• 2007 - 4 services grouped together: fixed, mobile, Internet and television
• 2008 - Chosen as first centre of excellence for WiMax. Acquisition of Connecteo. Sells 60% of call centre eCall
• 2009 - Martin Perronnet becomes Managing Director. Demonstration of WiMax in Monaco