Dutch govt pushes for cable amendments to take effect

The Dutch government wants the opening up of cable networks to take effect immediately, once the latest amendments to the Telecom Act are passed by the Upper House. The Lower House has already passed two amendments opening the way for other providers to resell analogue TV services from the cable networks. The Christian Democrats in the Upper House are still cautious about the new offer. Maxime Verhagen, the minister responsible for telecom issues, also sees possible risks, such as legal appeals, but assumes the measure can be legally upheld. The European Court of Justice will have the final say on the matter. The court in Amsterdam has already asked the European Court for an opinion on a case pending between cable operator UPC and the city of Hilversum.