Czech telecoms regulator Český telekomunikační úřad (CTU) faces a European Commission (EC) investigation over lack of regulation in wholesale broadband access.
Specifically, the regulator is being probed over plans to not require dominant telco Telefonica to offer wholesale access to alternative broadband providers, which the EC claims is likely to result in consumers paying higher prices for high-speed connections. The Commission also believes the lack of regulation breaches its telecoms rules, and could have a knock-on effect on access charges in other member states.
“We need to ensure competition for companies offering broadband services,” says Neelie Kroes, vice president of the Commission’s Digital Agenda. “Czech consumers should not miss out on the opportunities provided by more competitive markets in broadband, including high-speed networks.”
CTU’s plans have been put on ice while the EC investigation is running. The regulator is required to provide further evidence that its decision won’t affect competition in the market.