The Dutch Market For Fast Internet Is Sufficiently Competitive

On 1 August 2023 the chief economist of the Netherlands Authority for Consumer and Markets ("ACM") Mr. De Bijl published an article in which he reflects on the current state of the market for fast internet access. Although he applauds the current state of the market; he warns that telecoms is no ordinary market, and that there are challenges and uncertainties that remain. In his statement, he indicates that it is important to respond adequately to these challenges and uncertainties by using the competition law and regulatory tools at our disposal.

Introduction

The article starts by referring to the ACM's market analysis on local internet access which was offered to the public for consultation in July this year. The conclusion from the provisional market analysis is that the Dutch market for fast internet access is sufficiently competitive. The main reason for this is the effective and swift roll-out of fiber networks, which now cover most of the territory of the