Spain: Telefónica and Vodafone demand ‘equal rules’ for telecomm

Two of Spain’s major telephone operators, Vodafone and Telefónica, have issued a joint message to European regulators, demanding a rewrite of competition rules in order to ensure clear and equal regulation for all telecommunications companies, as well as encouraging “competition and investment” in the sector. Telefónica specifically called for new legislation that will provide “Same service, Same rules, Same protections.”

While not naming other competitors, Telefónica joined Vodafone in highlighting the need for a re-structuring of Europe’s digital markets. The main issue identified by the companies, while not explicitly stated, was the threat from technology giants such as Google and Facebook, who they say offer services that compete directly with their own while using networks they haven’t paid to install.

Vittorio Colao, CEO of British-based Vodafone, insisted on the need for new rules that will allow for “investment and competition, which aren’t mutually exclusive”. Vodafone has invested over 19 billion pounds in 2014-2016 in developing its 4g and 5g networks, as well as other high-connectivity areas such as cloud computing and ‘the internet of things’.

Colao concluded with remarks on the importance of fighting monopolies, while again refusing to name any specific competitors. However, he made a clear request that “No dominant actor be allowed to run the market; dominant positions must not be allowed.”

Full Content: El Español

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