UK ISP Freeserve is threatening to take BT to the Competition
Commission following the launch of the telco’s £10 million
broadband advertising campaign, according to the Sunday Times. The
ISP accuses telecoms regulator Oftel of “turning a blind eye” to
the alleged abuse of BT’s dominant position because broadband is a
high priority for the UK government.
Freeserve claims that Oftel should not allow BT to promote and
offer broadband services through its “blue bill”, since this gives
the telco direct regular access to its 20 million retail
customers.
The ISP argues that competitor ISPs, including BT’s internet arm
BTopenworld, do not have access to such a vast customer base under
the existing competition rules.
Oftel has not made any comment on Freeserve’s allegations yet.
Earlier Freeserve complaints regarding BT’s broadband strategy were
rejected by the telecoms regulator last month.
