[eccr] Deutsche Telekom faces EU fine for overcharging

Title: Deutsche Telekom faces EU fine for overcharging

Deutsche Telekom faces EU fine for overcharging
======================

Deutsche Telekom could face a fine from European regulators after the
Brussels authorities accused the German telecommunications group of
stifling competition for internet services through unfair pricing. 

The European Commission has reached the preliminary conclusion that
Deutsche Telekom hampered competitors' access to the 'local loop' - the
infrastructure that is vital for the provision of internet and telecom
services to consumers' homes. 

After a three-year investigation, the commission found that 98 per cent
of consumers still used Deutsche Telekom, although the market was
formally liberalised four years ago. The European watchdog believes this
is because the former German monopoly abused its position in the market
to shut out competitors through a complex pricing structure. 

Deutsche Telekom has two months to reply to the commission's allegations
or to stop the alleged anti-competitive practices.

Financial Times - May 08, 2002
http://news.ft.com/ft/gx.cgi/ftc?pagename=View&c=Article&cid=FT3C3SL6Z0D&live=true&tagid=ZZZPCGI2B0C