EU: EC raids Swedish mobile operators for blocking rivals

According to concerns raised by the European Commission, Sweden’s telecom companies may have illegally prevented other companies from entering the consumer mobile market.

According to an announcement issued by the Berlaymont on Tuesday, both EU and Swedish Competition Authority (Konkurrensverket) were involved in the raid. Unannounced inspections, as the ones that have already taken place, are “a preliminary step in investigating suspected anti-competitive practices,” says the Commission.

Telia AB, Tele2 AB and Telenor ASA have all confirmed that they are part of the EU’s investigation, adding that they are willing to cooperate with EU’s antitrust watchdog. The European Commission could not confirm the number of companies involved, or the names stated above.

As a disclaimer, the Commission reminds that the inspections do not mean that the companies are guilty of anti-competitive behavior nor does it prejudge the outcome of the investigation. “The Commission respects the rights of defense, in particular, the right of companies to be heard in antitrust proceedings.”

Inquiries will be completed without a deadline, while their duration depends on a number of factors, including the complexity of each case, the extent to which the companies concerned co-operate and the exercise of the rights of defense.

Full Content: Bloomberg

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