Norwegian regulator Nkom has proposed to continue regulation of Telenor on the wholesale mobile market. This includes regulated access for MVNOs as well as national roaming for the third operator Ice as it builds out its network. While Telia has become closer in stature to Telenor, the regulator decided there was no evidence of joint dominance, so Telia will not be regulated on the wholesale mobile market.
The draft decision continues the existing regulation aimed at ensuring a competitive mobile market with at least three network operators. Nkom also proposed changes in how it regulates the MVNO market. Its semi-annual margin squeeze tests will use a model based on a player with a 3 percent market share, down from 5 percent previously, in order to reflect better the actual position of MVNOs on the market.
Telenor remains a significant market power and as such will face obligations to provide network access for virtual operators, co-location for network masts and a national roaming offer. While Telia has strengthened its number-two position thanks to acquisitions, Nkom said its analysis based on EU regulatory criteria did not establish joint dominance for the two operators.
Ice meanwhile is entering a critical phase of its network build-out and should still benefit from access to roaming. While Ice currently uses Telia for roaming, Nkom wants the option of regulated access on Telenor's network also to be available to the smaller operator. If Ice decides to extend its deal with Telia, the terms will not be regulated.
The proposed regulation is open for public comment until 28 June. If approved, the new rules are planned to take effect this autumn.
