ACM: Regulation Resolves Possible Market Domination In Dutch Telecommunications Sector

The scenery of the Dutch telecommunications sector has changed drastically in the last two months. A couple of recent merger clearances have left the sector with two major players operating a nation-wide network. But there is no need to worry as, according to supervisor ACM, the current and upcoming sector-specific regulation applying to one of these players will keep both players in check. The ACM's draft 'Market analysis decision for unbundled access to the local loop' will guarantee competitors continued access to KPN's network. Cable companies do not have to provide access. Telecommunications companies have until 12 December 2014 to respond to the draft decision.

In October 2014, the European Commission cleared the acquisition of Dutch cable operator Ziggo by telecommunications group Liberty Global, subject to a number of conditions regarding pay TV and internet streaming. The Commission found that even though the acquisition combined the first and the second