Buyers of GlobalConnect’s fibre infrastructure and customers approved

Today, the Norwegian Competition Authority approved Telia and NextGenTel as buyers of GlobalConnect’s fibre infrastructure and customers. 

To obtain approval for its acquisition of GlobalConnect’s residential customer business, Telenor proposed several measures. These included selling fibre infrastructure and customers in areas where both companies operate their own fibre networks. Telenor also proposed selling GlobalConnect customers who receive broadband services through Telenor’s fibre network. 

The acquisition could not be completed until the conditions relating to the sale of customers and infrastructure had been met, as the Norwegian Competition Authority was required to assess and approve the proposed buyers. 

Telenor proposed Telia as the buyer of the fibre infrastructure and associated customers in areas where Telenor and GlobalConnect both operate their own fibre networks. NextGenTel was proposed as the buyer of GlobalConnect customers who receive broadband services through Telenor’s fibre network. 

– The Norwegian Competition Authority has concluded that Telia and NextGenTel meet the requirements for independent and suitable buyers. It has been important to the Authority that the customers and infrastructure are acquired by companies capable of competing with Telenor. This is particularly important in Northern Norway, where Telenor and GlobalConnect have competed most directly with each other, says Director Gjermund Nese. 

Following the Norwegian Competition Authority’s approval of the proposed buyers, Telenor may complete the acquisition of GlobalConnect’s residential customer business once the sales have been completed. 

– Telenor has also committed to additional measures intended to help maintain competition in the broadband market. These include opening GlobalConnect’s fibre network to competing fibre providers. In the period ahead, the Norwegian Competition Authority will ensure that these additional conditions are implemented in accordance with the Authority’s decision, says Project Manager Eva Nysæther.