Greek telecommunications authority EETT announced a EUR 6.3 million fine against OTE following an investigation into complaints from rivals Forthnet, Wind Hellas and Cyta, according to local paper Ekathimerini.com. The companies accused OTE of abusing its dominant position in Greece to the disadvantage of its competitors from 2012 until 2014. In its defence, OTE said the decision of EETT is unfounded and it reserves all its legal rights. The operator said it was penalised even though a breach had been proven. The competitors' complaints of loss of customers were not proven, OTE said.
The operator claims that EETT's punitive decisions against itself created obstacles in network development and the availability of new products and services instead of promoting investments. This keeps the market and the country back and distorts competition, OTE said.
EETT fined OTE EUR 3.5 million for breaking competition laws and EUR 2.8 million for the breach of regulatory obligations. The authority said the amount was determined based on the severity of the violations and to ensure fair market practices are respected.
