A public hearing will take place on 8th July 2002 to fully
analyse the difficulties of new entrants seeking to rent copper
lines from incumbents such as BT, to deploy their own services (in
particular broadband services) to end-users.
Perceived problems include price practices that create market
distortions (such as price squeezing or predatory pricing) and the
issue of discriminatory terms and conditions that block effective
access to the local loop. Two statements of objections were
recently sent to incumbents Wanadoo and Deutsche Telekom for
abusing their dominant position in the provision of broadband
access.
The Competition Directorate General will present its findings
and industry representatives will be asked to share their
experiences and express their views on how to render effective
unbundling.
Those interested to participate in the hearing must send their
request by e-mail to the Commission by 15th June 2002 to comp-local-loop@cec.eu.int.
