Brussels, 22/03/2005 (Agence Europe) - The European Commission has formally requested Sweden to abolish the monopoly of state-owned company Teracom AB as regards analogue terrestrial broadcasting and transmission services. Sweden is failing to implement the Directive on competition in the markets for electronic communications networks and services into its national legislation. Provisions in the directive apply to radio and television broadcasting and for transmission and broadcasting services. According to the Directive, Member States were required to ensure, no later than 24th July 2003, that any company is entitled to operate such networks and provide such services. However, Swedish broadcasters (TV4 AB, Sveriges Television AB, Utbildningsradion AB and Sveriges Radio AB) using analogue terrestrial broadcasting and transmission technology remain obliged to acquire broadcasting and transmission services exclusively from state-owned company Teracom AB, giving this company a monopoly for these services. Competition Commissioner Ms Neelie Kroes said: “Sweden is depriving broadcasters of their right to perform certain services themselves, e.g. transmission, or to choose from whom to buy these services. In the end, it is Swedish viewers and listeners that suffer because the lack of choice of suppliers leads to higher costs and less innovation.” If Sweden fails to comply within two months of receipt, the Commission may refer the case to the European Court of Justice.