The alternative providers will pay a one-time fee for preparing the resale, a one-time fee per connection and a monthly tariff for the services. The monthly rates are based on the retail-minus methodology. The companies can now start negotiations on the commercial offers, with a limit of six months to reach an agreement. Any provider paying a deposit to offer the services must be able to access the service within six months of signing a letter of intent.
The regulation is symmetric, as telecom incumbent Belgacom faces similar access requirements. The cable operators will have access to Belgacom's broadband and TV services, allowing them to develop national offerings. However, it appears likely that the larger operators will not pursue this option, and Belgacom has already said it does not intend to offer services on the cable networks. Base already offers TV services over the Belgacom DSL network, based on a direct access agreement, while Mobistar said earlier this year it is withdrawing from the fixed market until the regulatory climate improves.
