The European Competition Commission on October 15 imposed a fine of €38,838,000 on Slovak Telekom and its parent company, German Deutsche Telekom, for the unfair practice they adopted for more than five years to stifle competition in the provision of broadband services in Slovakia. The fine imposed on Deutsche Telekom was increased to €69,908,000 after the Commission found that the German giant had repeatedly violated fair competition rules.
After a long investigation, the Commission concluded that Slovak Telekom was refusing to provide unbundled access to the local loop to alternative providers on fair terms. It also found that Slovak was engaging in margin squeeze practices. Deutsche Telekom was found jointly liable for the unfair practices of its subsidiary and was fined an additional €31,070,000, with several increases, a measure by which the Commission is trying to deter the company from further repeating its abusive behaviour. Deutsche Telekom was also fined in 2003 for margin squeeze in the German broadband market.
Businesses that have been harmed by unfair competition in the EU retain the right to turn to national courts and seek compensation.
Source: tech.in.gr
