Study on the competition implications in telecommunications and multimedia markets

The European Commission, DG IV, has published an invitation to tender for a study on the competition implications in telecommunications and multimedia markets of (a) the joint provision of cable and telecommunications networks by a single dominant operator and (b) restrictions...

The European Commission, DG IV, has published an invitation to tender for a study on the competition implications in telecommunications and multimedia markets of (a) the joint provision of cable and telecommunications networks by a single dominant operator and (b) restrictions on the use of telecommunications networks for the provision of cable-television services.

Based on comprehensive and in-depth research, the study will mainly cover the following aspects:

- Provide an analysis which can form the basis of the assessment that the Commission has to carry out under Directive 95/51/EC concerning the joint provision of telecommunications and cable-television networks;
- Provide an analysis which can form the basis of the assessment that the Commission has to carry out under Directive 96/19/EC concerning existing restrictions on the provision of cable-television capacity over telecommunications networks;
- Market analysis, policy and regulation in the Member States and impact on the development of the market structure;
- Options: This part should contain an assessment of different policy options based on results of the analysis of the market and the impact on the development of the market structure. The assessment should, in particular, be based on the effects of these options on the competitive structure of the markets concerned and on the development of multimedia services. A range of different policy options should be discussed. In any event, the following options should be covered:

. Maintenance of status quo;
. Lifting existing constraints on the provision of cable-television capacity over telecommunications networks;
. Divestiture of cable operations of dominant telecommunications operators.

Owing to the necessary coherence of the survey and analysis methodology concerning all the Member States and the subjects to be covered, it is not anticipated that candidates should tender for a part of the services considered.
Requests for the tender documents (especially the invitation to tender, specification, draft contract and the general conditions applicable to the Commission) should be sent to:

European Commission
DG IV - Competition
Information, Communication Multimedia Directorate
200 rue de la Loi (C150 3/053)
B-1049 Brussels
Tel. [phone]; Fax [phone]
Telex: COMEUR B 21877
Telegraphic address: COMEUR Brussels