Telenet reacts to preliminary proposal to regulate certain services over cable
► Preliminary proposal reflects intention only and is subject to further consultation;
► Telenet will submit arguments by February 18, 2011, according to procedure.
Mechelen, December 21, 2010 - Yesterday night, the Belgian regulator ("BIPT") and the regional media regulators (of which the "VRM" for Flanders) announced their intention to file a preliminary proposal in which they aim to (i) open the digital cable TV distribution services on both cable and IPTV and (ii) grant wholesale access to analog TV and broadband internet services on cable to other operators. However, this outcome only reflects a preliminary proposal and is subject to a number of subsequent reviews and authorizations by the Competition Council and the European Commission a.o.
Telenet has taken note of this preliminary proposal and is surprised about the intention to put more regulation on cable operators - the main competitors to the incumbent telco operators - in a market which is still being largely dominated by the Belgian incumbent operator. This proposal would be in contrast to the European Commission's policy which strongly aims for infrastructure-based competition.
Telenet firmly believes that with four network infrastructures (including DSL, satellite, DTT and cable) available throughout the whole of Flanders, consumers have currently access to a wide range of television, media and broadband services on different platforms. Based on a number of elements, Telenet is strongly convinced that there is no need for further regulation of the Belgian television and internet market and hence will submit its arguments and proposals for amendment prior to February 18, 2011, according to the procedure.