Considering intervention in Telenor’s Acquisition of GlobalConnect

The Norwegian Competition Authority is concerned that many consumers may face more expensive and lower-quality broadband services due to weakened competition if Telenor is allowed to acquire GlobalConnect’s consumer business.

The parties have today received the Authority’s Statement of Objections, notifying them that the Authority might intervene against the acquisition.

Telenor and GlobalConnect provide broadband access to consumers and housing associations in many locations where they are close competitors.

The acquisition would mean that consumers who can currently choose between broadband services from these two companies will have fewer options going forward.

– Effective competition is essential to ensure that consumers have access to the best possible goods and services at the lowest possible prices. The Authority’s preliminary assessment is that competition in the broadband market will be weakened if Telenor is allowed to acquire GlobalConnect’s consumer business, says Gjermund Nese, Director of the Department of Finance and Communications in the Competition Authority.

The concerns also include the market for TV services to consumers.

– During the process, the parties have submitted proposed remedies intended to address the Authority’s concerns. The Authority has assessed these proposed commitments and has concluded that they seem insufficient to protect consumers from the negative effects of the acquisition, says Eva Nysæther, project manager.

The Authority emphasizes that today’s notice does not constitute a final decision. The parties now have 15 working days to comment on the assessments outlined in the notice. The Competition Authority then has 15 working days to issue a final decision in the case.

The deadline for the final decision is 15 May 2026.