Entre Les Murs

No Noos Is Bad Noos

Another technician from our putative internet/cable/phone provider, Noos, came today. He looked like a thief and roamed about like he was casing the joint; but he explained himself in slow and simple French, which endeared him considerably. All the same, we’re no more wired now than we were this morning. Apparently there is an organization, which he referred to simply as the syndicate, which dictates the external appearance of buildings in Paris. It is especially touchy in the 16th arrondissement, and if they see a cable on the outside of a building they don’t like, they’ll cut it, and the customer still has to pay for the service. Consequently it’s necessary to contact them and secure written permission to have a cable brought in.

This requirement is surely understandable in such an ancient city where the beautiful facades and architectural culture contribute so integrally to the historic ambience. These things could easily be lost, paved over, in the rush to join a technological new Europe. What’s not so clear is how this critical necessity could have been overlooked when we requested the service, and again when the first technician came. Why, only now, when a time had been booked to do the necessary work, it comes to light that there is more red tape to untangle.

On the silver-lining side, I have discovered a neighbour with an unsecured wireless connection, and am having some luck getting on-line as a cyber-parasite.

posted 25.10.05