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Court overturns Telenet contract for Interkabel network
2014-05-28 10:23:00| Telecompaper Headlines
(Telecompaper) Belgacom has won an appeal against Telenet's contract to offer internet services over the Interkabel networks in Flanders. The cities Hasselt, Antwerp-Hoboken, Torhout and Lubbeek bundled their cable networks into the Interkabel alliance. Telenet was granted the right to offer internet services on the network in 2008, after earlier getting the TV rights in 1996. The Belgian Council of State ruled that it was unlawful to grant the internet rights to Telenet without allowing other providers to make a bid for the contract, notably Belgacom. The case has been in court since 2008. An opinion by the European Court of Justice in November 2013 provided a breakthrough for Belgacom. In practice, Telenet has continued to provide all the digital services on the network; analogue TV is provided by the local utility companies. The contract may be opened up to tender again, but an analysis of the local market must first be conducted. Since 2011, both Belgacom and Telenet are subject to access regulations, but appeals are still pending against these decisions.
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Category:Telecommunications