Internet monopolies in the palaces, the Competition Authority opens an in-depth investigation

2024-06-03 07:25:00, Aktualitet CNA

Internet monopolies in the palaces, the Competition Authority opens an in-depth

The Competition Authority decided in May to open an in-depth investigation procedure in the market of internet service provision and access, to administration companies and internet companies in residential residences that these companies operate.

The in-depth investigation will cover the time period from January 1, 2020 to May 10, 2024.

This decision came following the preliminary investigation procedure, which began at the beginning of 2024, after complaints filed with the Competition Authority, on the problems in the choice of providing internet service near apartment complexes in the capital.

The Competition Authority estimates that in residential residences in Tirana, administration companies manage the internet service infrastructure. In addition, these companies make connections with Internet service providers and residents who want to benefit from this service. In such conditions, the administration companies have an influence on the market of providing Internet service in the residences where they operate.

From the information administered by the companies that provide the internet service, it has been proven that there are problems with the restriction of access by other administration companies to residential residences in the district of Tirana.

From the preliminary investigation, typical cases of abuse of the relevant dominant position by some management companies have been identified. Abuses include not giving access to common facilities to interested operators, or applying different conditions and rates to different operators. Some Internet service providers have stated in the investigation procedure that they are not allowed to set up their infrastructure and provide service in some residential residences.

Based on the fact that some of the administration companies have common shareholders with the Internet and Internet service companies, they operate in the same residential residence, thus bringing about a vertical integration, for the Competition Authority doubts arise that in the market of providing and accessing the Internet service may violate the Law "On the Protection of Competition".

Monopolies providing Internet service with fixed lines are not uncommon in residential buildings in Tirana. Often, construction firms or management companies themselves give the right to deploy the connection infrastructure to a single service provider, preventing other companies. Such a practice deprives the residents of the buildings of the possibility of choice and forces them to receive fixed communication services, such as Internet, IPTV or telephone from a single service provider./ Monitor Magazine