A controversial clause in Bulgaria’s new electronic communications law has been criticised for favouring the incumbent telco BTC. According to local reports, the legislation uses the phrase ‘twisted metallic pair’ when referring to last mile access, and in doing so limits the scope of the provision to the benefit of BTC, not taking into account other technologies that may be used. The new law also fails to address bitstream access, thereby placing alternative telcos at a disadvantage in the provision of ADSL services. BTC, which is shortly expected to secure AIG as a majority (65%) shareholder, accounted for 97% of Bulgaria’s fixed-line market in 2005. Last week the EC noted delays in the implementation of electronic communications legislation in Bulgaria but said this would not lead to sanctions.
