Brussels, 13 December 2013 – Yesterday, the Conference of Electronic Communications Sector Regulators (CRC) published its decisions on the quantitative aspects of the cable regulation in Belgium, after it had already published its decisions on the qualitative aspects early September. This step completes, after three years, the regulatory framework for the delivery of broadcasting signals and access to broadcast networks in Belgium through cable networks. The wholesale cable regulation now enters into its implementation phase. Mobistar reconfirms its intention to move forward with the effective implementation of the cable regulation to market TV and fixed broadband services to Belgium consumers.
Mobistar welcomes that, after 3 years, the regulators have completed this first round of regulation of the cable networks. We invite all cable operators to embrace this evolution, and engage in a cooperative manner, similarly to the openness mobile operators showed allowing them wholesale access to their mobile networks.
This regulatory package is the result of a multifaceted process involving various regulators and cable operators, and should be considered as a first step in a long term strategic direction to make TV and fixed broadband markets in Belgium more dynamic in the years to come. For this to happen, we rely on the regulators to ensure that the regulated conditions over time meet the requirements highlighted by the European Commission, being that an efficient alternative operator should be able to enter the market in a profitable way. Mobistar also notes the CRC decision to adapt the retail-minus calculation for non-regulated services (VooFoot & fixed telephony) and that the CRC will apply additional corrections for the other non-regulated services in the future.
Mobistar counts on the regulators to ensure that the necessary amendments are made by the first annual review of the pricing conditions, and that they will take immediate actions if any anti-competitive actions or price squeeze situations would appear. Mobistar also subscribes to the point of view of the EC that on the long-term a cost-oriented approach for the wholesale charges is more appropriate than a retail minus model.
With respect to the technical & operational specifications, Mobistar notes that there are still no compliant wholesale offers available on the market two months after the due date as set by regulation and counts on the regulators to take actions.
Mobistar is determined to move forward with the effective implementation of regulated cable services as soon as possible and to that end has already stepped up its efforts on a series of operational activities such as the sourcing of hardware, software and contents.
“So far the unbalanced regulatory framework between fixed and mobile has caused a massive downwards repricing in the mobile market in Belgium while fixed price continue increasing. The wholesale cable regulation shall correct this asymmetry to the benefit of the consumer. In the meanwhile we continue focusing on the execution of our transformation and are glad to see that gradually we are getting more visibility on the future with the proliferation of 4G and the opportunity that the wholesale cable regulation will bring to Mobistar.” says Jean-Marc Harion, CEO of Mobistar.