Press Release: Digital Agenda – Commission queries OPTA’s regulatory plans for Dutch business broadband customers

The European Commission has decided to investigate whether the Dutch telecoms regulator (OPTA) should oblige KPN (the main Dutch telecoms operator) to give alternative operators access to its infrastructure so they can also offer high-speed broadband connections to business customers.

Without this access, business customers may not have a choice of competitive deals from different operators, and could therefore pay higher prices. The Commission has serious doubts whether OPTA's decision not to regulate access to KPN's fibre-to-the-office (FttO) networks and to high-quality wholesale broadband is compatible with EU telecoms rules. In the Commission's view, OPTA's approach could have a negative effect on competition and the future development of fibre investment and innovation.

The Commission also believes that OPTA's plans, if implemented, could affect trade between Member States. Conditions for access to the fibre network in The Netherlands will determine the cost and the ability of other operators (including those established in other Member States) to provide telecoms services. The Commission has therefore suspended OPTA's plans.

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