Opta has decided to put KPN under sharper supervision, with immediate effect. The Dutch regulator feels there is a high risk of KPN violating existing legislation. Opta came to this conclusion after observing past behaviour and violations. The regulator said it was not able to give more details on the nature or extent of potential infringements due to ongoing proceedings but that it was taking action against infringements. The new supervision rules will be published in the course of January, Opta said. The regulator had already in 2005 put KPN temporarily under close supervision. The result was a fine of EUR 17 million imposed on KPN for providing unauthorised discounts to business customers. The relationship between the company and the regulator improved in the years following. In April 2008, KPN and Opta signed a compliance agreement, by which KPN committed itself to taking meaures to promote compliance. In June 2010, the regulator noted that KPN had made a lot of progress. Opta was able to then relax the rules to normal. In July of this year, Opta said it was only marginally satisfied with the progress in KPN's compliance policy. Although the operator spent a great deal of time and effort in compliance, new rules imposed on KPN to promote competition were not always implemented on time. The strengthened oversight means that Opta will conduct its own investigation into the company and for data both from KPN as well as other parties. Opta's move is not connected with the investigation started by competition watchdog NMa, although the different regulators do of course share information.
