KPN: Dutch Broadband Market Should be Deregulated After EU's Ziggo Deal Approval

By Robin van Daalen

AMSTERDAM--Dutch telecommunications firm Royal KPN NV (KPN.AE) said Friday the Dutch broadband market should be deregulated after European Union authorities approved a EUR10 billion ($12.7 billion) acquisition of Dutch cable operator Ziggo NV (ZIGGO.AE) by Liberty Global PLC (LBTYA).

The combination of Ziggo and UPC, Liberty Global's Dutch cable operator, "doesn't have to allow access to its networks, despite a share of around 44% of the Dutch broadband market," KPN said, adding it believes the decision should result in deregulation of the broadband market.

Under Dutch regulations, KPN is required to allow third parties to offer services over its network as it is the only provider with nationwide broadband coverage. The combination of Ziggo and UPC reaches about 90% of Dutch homes.

Earlier Friday, Liberty Global won approval for its acquisition of Ziggo, subject the sale of its Film1 pay TV channel and the removal of clauses in its agreements with broadcasters that limit their ability to offer content over the Internet.

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