scoobystu2
11-02-2005, 08:49 AM
Reported in Todays Guardian ...
Vodafone and T-Mobile could face large fines after the European commission yesterday accused them of making excessive profits from international roaming charges in Germany.
The commission, which has already accused Vodafone and O2 of the same practices in Britain, has sent "statements of objections" about an alleged abuse of dominant positions in the German market to the two operators.
The case breaks new ground in EU competition law by in effect accusing the operators of carrying out a monopoly in their own markets in Britain and Germany.
Vodafone said it would contest the claims vigorously.
Officials said wholesale charges passed on to consumers in Britain and Germany for using a foreign network were up to three times higher than charges to local operators.
Brussels, which claims to have persuaded other operators, such as Orange, to lower roaming charges by encouraging them to form strategic alliances, says its proceedings will bring about more competition and lower bills.
Vodafone and T-Mobile could face large fines after the European commission yesterday accused them of making excessive profits from international roaming charges in Germany.
The commission, which has already accused Vodafone and O2 of the same practices in Britain, has sent "statements of objections" about an alleged abuse of dominant positions in the German market to the two operators.
The case breaks new ground in EU competition law by in effect accusing the operators of carrying out a monopoly in their own markets in Britain and Germany.
Vodafone said it would contest the claims vigorously.
Officials said wholesale charges passed on to consumers in Britain and Germany for using a foreign network were up to three times higher than charges to local operators.
Brussels, which claims to have persuaded other operators, such as Orange, to lower roaming charges by encouraging them to form strategic alliances, says its proceedings will bring about more competition and lower bills.