Norwegian consumer body calls broadband market uncompetitive

News Broadband Norway 18 SEP 2015
Norwegian consumer body calls broadband market uncompetitive

The Norwegian consumer council, Forbrukerradet, is calling for greater competition on the market for high-speed broadband, saying operators in Norway are charging thrice as much as in neighbouring Sweden. Segment director Finn Myrstad said most customers have no choice of provider, because of local monopolies. He said even if someone has laid a cable, it is not a given that they should have ownership rights over the infrastructure for ever.

Often, customers are forced to purchase a TV package along with their broadband. Myrstad said obliging customers to buy a TV service as well forces them to pay for a service they might not want, and also makes it harder for other providers to get a foothold.

Myrstad said there is little difference in the prices charged by the various operators in Norway. The council would like regulator Nkom to provide a price comparison service so that consumers have reliable and neutral information. Myrstad thinks this would highlight the limited choices on the current market.

Categories:

Fixed

Countries:

Norway

Tags:

Regulations, Internet Access, Consumer, Enterprise

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