Having earlier this month launched a consultation on a proposed revision of the pricing for wholesale access to the local loop, Spanish telecoms regulator the Comision del Mercado de las Telecomunicacinoes (CMT) has now unveiled proposals for a reduction in bitstream access prices. With an eye on bolstering competition in the broadband sector, Reuters reports that the CMT is aiming for the price proposals to allow alternative providers to offer more competitive deals, while still encouraging investment in next generation networks.
Under the currently regulatory regime, the Ethernet de Banda Ancha (NEBA) service is gradually replacing current indirect access services, and is aimed at allowing alternative operators a means of offering independent services to their respective end-users. As per the CMT’s proposals, the regulator has said it plans to reduce the wholesale price for fibre-optic connections to EUR20 (USD27) per month, down 14% compared to the current rate. Naked broadband accesses, meanwhile, are set to be charged at EUR15.10 per month, down by 3%. The price of a standard copper wire connection with phone service will remain at EUR6.50 per month.
Interested parties have now been given 20 days to respond to the CMT’s proposals, following which it is expected to submit its plans to the European Commission for approval.