SECTORAL REPORT: Sectoral investigation in the construction of fibre networks on power poles and the access to them continues
In the first half of 2024 the Antimonopoly Office of the Slovak Republic (AMO) launched a sectoral investigation in the field of constructing new optical networks on power line poles and the access to the optical networks in the territory of the Slovak Republic (SR)1. Its aim is to map the situation in this field, identify potential systemic problems and ensure that competition principles are fully applied in the field and that there is the intense competition.
In its investigation, AMO focuses on two sets of problems, namely the access to physical infrastructure (power line poles) for operators who are interested in constructing their own optical networks on it, and the access of operators to the already constructed optical network owned by distribution system operators in individual locations of the SR.
During the first phase of sectoral survey, in order to obtain the most comprehensive information about the sector, as well as due to the fact that the situation within individual distribution systems was and is different, AMO was obtaining information primarily from the distribution companies operating in the territory of the SR, which had initiated the construction of new optical networks on their own power line poles. It appears, already from AMO´s preliminary findings, that, for example, in the fields of access to infrastructure, access to information for operators and fees for certain services for operators, there is a space to significantly facilitate more intensive competition, which, in relation to consumers, would lead to more choice, higher quality and lower prices for consumers.
The important source of information are in addition to the distribution systems operators themselves also operators competing in individual locations in the SR for an end customer in the field of providing Internet services. They themselves are or can be the customers of owners of new optical networks. Therefore, in the further phase of sectoral investigation, AMO addressed dozens of large, medium and small operators in order to obtain information about the sector investigated, and thus also the view of entities, which are fundamentally affected by this issue. It was not possible to reach everyone, so AMO hereby calls on operators who have not been directly addressed to send a response to the letter attached at the end of this report by 6 December 2024. Any information provided regarding the field investigated will be welcome.
AMO would like to reiterate that the main aim of sectoral investigation is to ensure that operators have access to infrastructure and newly constructed networks under fair, reasonable, transparent and non-discriminatory conditions. This is crucial in the interests of intense competition generating the lowest prices, quality of services and choice for the consumer. If AMO during the sectoral investigation suspects that the Act on Protection of Competition has been infringed, it will use all legal options to investigate its findings, including the imposition of a sanction or obligations, in order to protect competition and the end consumer.
Call to operators
For details, see the request for submiting documentation and information (PDF, 473 kB) - available in Slovak language.
1 Related press release was published on our website - available in Slovak language.