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.24 Sep 2002
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.