France: Rookie mobile firm wants to play with big rivals

France’s upstart wireless company Iliad is reportedly looking to enter into an agreement with telco giants SFR, owned by Vivendi, and Bouygues Telecom as the two launch their network sharing plan.

Local media reported a letter written by Iliad’s chief executive highlighting concerns that the joint venture would leave Iliad in a weaker negotiating position should it not be able to join the joint venture. The remarks emphasized the changing competitive landscape resulting from the shared network agreement between the nations second- and third-largest wireless firms.

SFR and Bouygues are looking to finalize their joint venture early next year, but Iliad has reportedly contacted the firms regarding the matter, sending them a letter that was subsequently also sent to the nation’s telco and competition authorities.

According to Iliad, should the companies proceed without it, the partnership “will destabilize competition and could be legally challenged.”

Full Content: Reuters

Want more news? Subscribe to CPI’s free daily newsletter for more headlines and updates on antitrust developments around the world.