The principle of making the customers pay is similar for interrupted Internet service. The ISPs deliberately don't give access to a detailed network status, so that customers have to call an overcharged hotline where they don't know about interrupted service either and instead waste 10 euros for using 30 minutes at 34 cents for going through the customer's PC setup (where nothing is wrong) - without solving the problem of course. After 30 minutes, the call is automatically cut (apparently a regulatory measure) and you have to start over again.
 
Then when you claim your money back, you have to discuss with them to make them respect the law and court practice.
 
Whether you use Orange (France Telecom), Free, Club Internet or anyone else, its always the same racket.
 
I took Tele2 to court last year over a failed change of mobile subscription, keeping my number. They lost my demand and never got me switched on, one week telling me my request was underway, the next that they had no trace. I had to reclaim my SFR line a couple of days before it was cut. I asked Tele2 to refund my costs of 50 euros. Instead, they paid me 6 and wouldn't hear another word. So they ended up having to pay me 180 euros after they were condemned.
 
Free paid me 300 in costs a couple of weeks before the court hearing instead of waiting until it would have become more expensive after a condemnation. I'd have serious problems with disconnections.
 
Until now, France Telecom/Orange have paid up sufficiently to avoid court action from my part when they've goofed (again and again).
 
After about 6 e-mails complaining, Club Internet agreed to refund 30 minutes hotline cost (not enough).
 
Neuf took 9 months to refund a balance in my favour after a cancellation. They'd probably never had paid if I hadn't insisted. I've heard similar complaints from others.
 
These are just my personal experiences.
 
Finn