A PYMNTS Company

Germany: Judge tosses Kabel Deutschland case against Deutsche Telekom

By  |  August 28, 2013

The Frankfurt Regional Court in Germany has tossed a case filed by Kabel Deutschland against former telco monopoly Deutsche Telekom, claiming Deutsche Telekom has violated antitrust law since 2003 by charging the rival extra for using its cable ducts.

Kabel Deutschland was seeking $468 million in damages from its rival for the charges, but according to the court, Deutsche Telekom did not hold a monopoly in that area of the market.

Further, according to the court, “the economic value of this case in in the billions” because the judgment would cover future actions.

Kabel Deutschland is reportedly likely to appeal after it reviews the judgment. The company claims that a previous ruling by Germany’s telecommunications watchdog, which ordered Deutsche Telekom to lower duct fees, indicated the charges were too high, supporting Kabel Deutschland’s case.

Vodafone Group plans to acquire Kabel Deutschland.

Full Content: Bloomberg

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