Not only did RegTP, Germany’s telecom regulator, reject a Deutsch...
Not only did RegTP, Germany’s telecom regulator, reject a Deutsche Telekom (DT) request to raise rates for access to its unbundled copper loop, the watchdog ordered the incumbent April 29 to cut those rates. RegTP’s decision reduced DT’s fee…
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from 11.80 ($15.28) to 10.65 ($13.80). DT had sought a hefty increase to 17.40 ($22.54) (CD Feb 22 p6). Rivals said the order is “a step in the right direction” but not enough. “If Germany wants to play in the champion’s league of the industrialized nations, the monthly fee should be below 10,” said Axel Spies, a Washington attorney who represents the German Competitive Carriers Assn. DT’s setup fees are still too high, stifling competition especially in the broadband market, Spies said. A DT spokesman said the telco is “disappointed.” After several unsuccessful bids to boost its access fee, DT doesn’t see why RegTP again spurned the argument that the carrier’s costs have risen, the spokesman said. The decision can be challenged in the Local Administrative Court in Cologne, said Spies, but it’s unclear whether anyone will appeal or whether a stay would be granted. DT said it’s evaluating options.