The European Commission terminates the administrative proceedings regarding the mobile network sharing in favour of T Mobile and CETIN

  • European Commission rejects Vodafone's complaint against the mobile network sharing
  • EC decision increases the predictability of competition law rules for operators across Europe
  • Czech customers will benefit from voluntary commitments proposed by T‑Mobile Czech Republic, CETIN, and O2

T-Mobile welcomes today's decision by the European Commission ending six years of administrative proceedings over the mobile network sharing with T-Mobile, CETIN, and O2. The decision rejects the competition complaint and accepts a plan of voluntary commitments by both T-Mobile and CETIN to ensure further investment and innovation in the network for the benefit of Czech customers.

T-Mobile welcomes the Commission's decision: “We are pleased the European Commission has brought this lengthy procedure to the end. Finally, we can fully focus on the further development of 5G networks and, as part of our vision of the Connected Country, continue to work on building the much needed digital infrastructure in the Czech Republic," says Jose Perdomo Lorenzo, CEO of T‑Mobile Czech Republic.

Following the complaint, the Commission investigated the compatibility of network sharing with competition rules. The proceedings involved a large amount of evidence and in-depth analysis of the network sharing issue. On the basis of this evidence, the Commission did not follow the complainant's initial proposals and decided that voluntary commitments by the sharing companies were sufficient to remove any concerns.

"We went into deep technical detail in the proceedings. We have assured the Commission that, even when sharing active equipment, we can ensure that the operators concerned have both the freedom and the incentive to keep innovating and upgrading their networks independently. This Commission decision will increase the certainty on competition rules for operators across Europe," said Martin Orgoník, T-Mobile's Director of External Affairs and Sustainability, who led the company's defence before the European Commission.

The network sharing agreement between CETIN and T-Mobile involves cooperation and joint construction of passive and active mobile network infrastructure. The Commission's decision also has a positive impact on the overall efficiency of investment in the telecommunications sector in the Czech Republic. The decision imposes an upgrade of all capacity layers of mobile networks within 3.5 years at the latest. Lastly, the network sharing agreement will have a positive impact on reducing CO2 emissions.

The decision is effective immediately, and T-Mobile and CETIN no longer face any fines or other obligations in this proceeding.


 
About the Company

T-Mobile Czech Republic, a member of the international telecommunications group Deutsche Telekom, has almost 6.2 million customers, the number-one operator in the Czech market. T-Mobile is an integrated operator: in addition to telecommunications services, it offers comprehensive ICT solutions not only for companies, but also for other organizations and individuals. It provides outstanding services in the high-speed network, which was proved repeatedly by benchmark testing performed by umlaut (former P3) with Best-in-Test seal.

T-Mobile Czech Republic places emphasis on taking a responsible approach to the environment and society. It adheres to fair business practices, helps beneficial applications and services to see the light of day, supports non-profit organizations, small businesses and individuals, and lends a helping hand whenever crisis situations arise. The company’s employees serve as volunteers in many places across the entire Czech Republic.

More information about the company is available at www.t-mobile.cz, www.t-press.cz (the portal for journalists) and www.t-mobile.cz/pomahame (information on the company’s CSR activities).

Contact details of the press unit: press@t-press.cz.