How to put an end to the controversy over speeds on fixed internet

Of Costa Ketsietzis

Today, OTE and Vodafone will submit their additional positions, so that the National Telecommunications and Post Commission (EETT) can decide whether the approval of Cosmote’s commercial programs will proceed with the doubling of internet connection speeds, despite Vodafone’s objections. . EETT’s decision is expected to be issued by the end of the week.

It is recalled that Vodafone has asked to stop the process on the grounds that the model, based on which the commercial policy of the largest telecommunications provider in the country is squeezing the profit margins of its competitors, is outdated.

The model has been in force since 2011 and is in the process of being revised, but it has not progressed at all since last March, when the relevant consultation was completed.

Although no one can prejudge the result of the hearing started by the special committee of EETT, market players with whom Capital.gr spoke estimate that it will be difficult to stop the approval of OTE’s programs, as they meet the criteria of the institutional framework as it stands today.

“OTE would not have submitted the commercial programs to EETT if it had not calculated that they meet the criteria. What we do not know is whether all the commercial packages would pass the new model and this is a problem, especially when we talk about commercial programs that will change. completely the market “, they note in this regard.

What does this mean in practice for subscribers? The doubling of speeds in Cosmote fixed connections will continue gradually with the aim of being completed within the year. It is considered a given that the other telecommunication providers will follow.

In the meantime, negotiations will probably continue – most likely under the arbitration of EETT – between OTE and the alternative providers for the cost of upgrading the connections, and especially the adsl with download speeds “up to 24 Mbps” to vdsl with a speed of 50 Mbps, which require field work for the transition from urban centers to outdoor cabins.

But this does not mean that the case will end here. On the contrary, market sources state that it is not excluded that there may be an intervention-appeal to the European Commission as the alternative providers estimate that the delays in the change of the models cause problems in the operation of the telecommunication market.

It is reminded that on Friday after the hearing held by EETT, the Director of Foreign Affairs and Vice President of the Board. of Vodafone Greece, Maria Skagou in a written statement stated, among other things, that the necessary measures should be taken, which will allow all market providers to transport their customers to higher speeds on the same terms and conditions, without discrimination.

He added that “increasing the penetration of the new generation networks in Greece must be a joint effort and strategic goal for the whole market, with the appropriate conditions and with the intervention where necessary, of the regulatory authority, in order to really ensure the competition and ultimately the benefit of Greek consumers ”.

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– Under the microscope of EETT, the controversy over the doubling of internet speeds

– Maria Skagou: Vodafone is implementing a significant investment program of € 600 million.