France Telecom-Orange plans to launch its LTE network in France, but not until 2013 following tests this year in Paris.

The company won the largest block in the recent 4G license auction, and is therefore also required to offer LTE capacity to new entrant, Free Mobile once its own network reaches a minimum standard.

Speaking to Le Figaro, France Telecom's CEO, Stéphane Richard also confirmed that the mobile network solve over 420,000 smartphones during the Christmas sales rush, a rise of 19% over the previous year.

He also confirmed that the company is watching the Euro currency situation closely. Any problems there could affect the company badly as he noted it generates 80% of its turnover in within Euro countries, and 90% of turnover within wider Europe.