Regulation of Telecommunications and Broadcasting: Antitrust Analysis of Propose

As discussed in a separate entry on this data base, the Italian Parliament is now reviewing proposed legislation for the regulation of telecommunications and broadcasting in Italy, including via both cable and satellite. On December 7, 1995, the Italian Antitrust Authority issued a formal opinion on this legislation, specifically on House Document 3180-ter, an amended version of a bill originally introduced by Post and Telecommunications Minister Agostino Gambino. The opinion states that although the proposed legislation would formally open the communications sector to competition from private companies, it leaves the State monopoly with overwhelming competitive advantages and thus does not create sufficient opportunities for competitors to enter the market. The opinion addresses the following, specific issues.