ECTA criticises Commission’s fibre access stance

The European Competitive Telecommunications Association (ECTA) has condemned the European Commission’s recommendations on next generation fibre access networks, which it says means that incumbents making a deal with one operator could avoid requirements to offer cost-based access.

ECTA said it was “strongly opposed” to the Commission’s position because it was likely to limit consumer choice in TV and broadband services and could to lead to collusive practices. “Not only does this mean new services may not be developed, it also risks jeopardising the business case for fibre access lines: unless many companies can innovate in providing high speed services, not enough consumers will sign up to pay for the high investment costs,” an ECTA statement read.