Fiber to the Home Unbundling and Retail Competition: Developments in the Netherlands

Communications and Strategies, Vol. 78, No. 2, pp. 87-106, 2010

20 Pages Posted: 19 Apr 2011 Last revised: 5 May 2011

See all articles by Catherine A. Middleton

Catherine A. Middleton

Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University); Ryerson University - Ted Rogers School of Management

Annemijn van Gorp

affiliation not provided to SSRN

Date Written: June 15, 2010

Abstract

This study provides preliminary insights into how fiber to the home (FTTH) networks affect competition in the broadband Internet access market, and how, and if, competition on FTTH networks can be sustained. This study focuses on the Netherlands, a fast growing FTTH market with regulation mandating unbundling. Even though it is too early to paint a full picture of developments in the competitive landscape, initial findings suggest that rollout of FTTH has positive short-term effects on facilities-based competition. However, the extent to which competition on FTTH networks will develop at both the active operator and retail level remains unclear at this point. Additional uncertainties regarding the future of facilities-based competition suggest continued close monitoring of the market is necessary. Future research should address the extent to which competition at the active and retail level affect innovation.

Keywords: FTTH, broadband, Netherlands, open access, regulation, competition

JEL Classification: L51, L96, L98

Suggested Citation

Middleton, Catherine A. and van Gorp, Annemijn, Fiber to the Home Unbundling and Retail Competition: Developments in the Netherlands (June 15, 2010). Communications and Strategies, Vol. 78, No. 2, pp. 87-106, 2010, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1810543

Catherine A. Middleton (Contact Author)

Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University) ( email )

Toronto
Canada

Ryerson University - Ted Rogers School of Management ( email )

350 Victoria Street
Toronto, Ontario M5B 2K3
Canada

HOME PAGE: http://www.broadbandresearch.ca

Annemijn Van Gorp

affiliation not provided to SSRN ( email )

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