Telenet would compete directly with other broadcasters in the retail markets, whilst controlling their access to the cable/internet network. The EBU considers that the merger could have a severe impact on competition in the Belgian broadcasting markets, since the new company will have the incentive to squeeze out other broadcasters from the network to build its own retail market share.
In particular, the Belgian public broadcasters could come under pressure, as there is no legal obligation in Belgium to carry public broadcast internet services (eg, on-demand) on the cable network. According to the EBU, the public broadcasters also have difficulties gaining access to cable networks in neighbouring countries. The EBU is asking the European Commission to impose remedies at least to ensure public broadcasters receive non-discriminatory and fair access to the Telenet network in future.
