Forced opening up of cable networks

[Ignitionnet]

Not directly related to VM but more than close enough to home to be brown trousers time.

http://www.broadbandtvnews.com/2016/...open-up-cable/

Following the proposed joint venture between Vodafone and Liberty Global’s Ziggo, the Dutch government is looking into the possibility to open up Dutch cable networks to third parties.

However, opening up the cable network requires a change in EU rules, because the current legislation ensures that only that one network can be regulated. The adaptation of European rules, thanks to the merger, is “more important” according to Kamp.

[Chrysalis]

so if I understand right if one network is already regulated (e.g. copper dsl) then they cannot regulate a 2nd network?

[Kushan]

That would seem to be the case so the UK LG network is safe, unless that law changes.

[Ignitionnet]

That's exactly what the article says, and the Netherlands are wanting this rule changed.

In the Netherlands cable coverage is almost ubiquitous, and we seem to be in a period where regulators want to meddle as much as possible in everything.

Originally Posted by Chrysalis

so if I understand right if one network is already regulated (e.g. copper dsl) then they cannot regulate a 2nd network?

Yes, but I think that's an exemption designed to allow the regulation of former State monopoly operators, rather than it being some sort of arbitrary limit.