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ACM maintains KPN wholesale broadband regulation
2014-10-31 08:35:00| Telecompaper Headlines
(Telecompaper) Dutch regulator ACM has decided to maintain wholesale access regulation on incumbent KPN's networks for another three years. Ziggo, which is merging with UPC to become a national cable operator, will not be subject to access regulation. By opening up KPN's networks to competing providers such as Vodafone and Tele2, consumers can save at least EUR 250 million a year, according to the ACM. KPN currently serves around 40 percent of Dutch broadband customers and Ziggo 44 percent. Two nationwide players is not enough to ensure competition, the ACM found. Alternative providers on KPN's DSL and FTTH providers ensure the market remains competitive. The ACM found that requiring resale or wholesale access on cable was technically difficult to realise, while the regulation of KPN's networks is a continuation of the existing situation. Market parties will have several weeks to comment on the ACM's proposed decision for ULL, after which it will be sent to the European Commission. The regulator aims for the decision to take effect in Q1 2015. At the same time as the regulatory decision, the ACM published its competition decision on KPN's plan to increase its stake in Reggefiber. KPN is allowed to buy another 9 percent in the FTTH operator, giving it management control with a total 60 percent in Reggefiber. As the FTTH network is covered by the existing regulation of KPN, no additional conditions were applied to the acquisition.
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Category:Telecommunications