France Telecom is the world''s fourth-largest telecommunications carrier with 1996 consolidated operating revenues of FF 151.3 billion and 33 million telephone lines in service. In addition to local, long-distance and international telephony, France Telecom provides businesses and consumers with data, wireless, multimedia, Internet, broadcasting and cable-TV services. A public stock corporation since December 31, 1996, France Telecom held an initial public offering in October 1997.