Dutch cable opens up in March 2010

The Dutch telecoms regulator OPTA has published its draft regulation for the opening up of the Ziggo and UPC cable networks to third party resellers. Interested parties can submit their comments until December 11.

The draft includes OPTA’s assessment of the technical and administrative measures which UPC and Ziggo will undertake to allow third party resellers of their analogue TV offer. The market consultation will run until until December 11 and OPTA invites interested parties to send in their views. These reactions will be incorporated in the final implementation decision.

OPTA plans to open up the two largest network in March, 2010 and will go ahead as planned. Initially, only basic analogue cable subscribers will be able to switch to a new provider. After a further five months, also people buying broadband access and/or telephony services from the cablers will be allowed to switch analogue TV providers.

At least three parties have already expressed interest, YouCa, Your TV and alternative telecoms operator Tele 2. The draft regulation does not include wholesale pricing; OPTA will decide on the final pricing to third parties during the next few weeks. Any appeals to the draft resolution will not result in a delay of the planned opening up of the analogue cable.