Brussels, 13/04/2016 (Agence Europe) - The decision by the German telecoms watchdog to allow Deutsche Telekom to apply vectorisation technology is a subject of debate in Brussels.
The European Commission says it has received several letters of complaint and will publish a decision as to how to proceed in this case on 10 May at the latest.
The European Commission was informed by the German regulatory body on Thursday 7 April of its plan to allow Deutsche Telekom to be the main user of vectorisation technology. This technology turns existing copper technology into higher-speed telecommunication lines. But the German plan leaves much to be desired as far as European players are concerned. The day after the notification, European Digital Economy Commissioner Günther Oettinger received a letter from 13 German MEPS (CDU and SPD) describing the German decision 'as more problematic from the viewpoint of competition.' Similar comments have been made by the German Minister for Rural Areas and Consumer Protection, Alexander Bonde (Bündnis 90/Die Grünen). A close source tells us that there are fears that these new plans will create a monopoly of access to the market for Deutsche Telekom and “will have a negative impact on the development of fibre optic networks in Germany (and slow down the transition to more developed networks)”. The association of traditional operators, ETNO, however, supports the German regulator's decision. Lise Fuhr, ETNO's general director, said it was never good for regulators to be able to choose a specific technology and which is why this week's decision goes in the right direction, allowing the rapid deployment of broadband.
The Commission says it is analysing the German decision in the light of Article 7 of the framework-directive on electronic communications networks and services (2002/21/EC) and its 2014 guidelines on solutions for 'virtual access'. It is expected to issue its orientations by 10 May. In the event of doubt, it may open a three-month investigation. (Original version in French by Sophie Petitjean)