EC to launch telco pricing research

NEWS The EC is tomorrow expected to officially announce an investigation into pricing by telcos across the EU. Reports in today's media said the investigation would ask whether high prices were limiting the positive impact of telecoms deregulation. The Commission is reportedly intending to send questionnaires out to relevant bodies, to garner opinion in advance of a full investigation. The investigation is said to focus on pricing of local loops, leased lines and cross-border mobile charges, areas where new entrants to the market have to rely on ex-incumbent operators to set fair prices. The EC was today unavailable to comment on the investigation, which has been started following "informal complaints" of anti-competitive behaviour.