Brussels doubt that Free has received state aid

Orange, SFR and Bouygues Telecom, who have each paid 619 million euros to the state for their 3G mobile phone license in the early 2000s, still have not digested their rival Free Mobile gets in early license for 240 million euros. Note that for this price, Free holds three times less frequency than its competitors.

But the complaint to state aid once they have lodged in Brussels could well be rejected. The competition offices of the Commission have sent a letter on June 28 called "administrative discharge" to the three operators and the French state, said La Tribune.

"I confirm that the Commission has informed the companies of its preliminary analysis and thus of its intention not to pursue the matter," said the spokesman for the European Commission for competition issues, Amelia Torres."We look at the present time the answer has been obtained from the companies involved to see if it causes us to change your mind or if it confirms that there is nothing to investigate "she added.

Background

Brussels wonders, is a fact. They requested further information No fax payday loans. This is perhaps not ideal, but there is no time for decision, "says a trader who insists the length and complexity of applications for state aid. Orange, SFR and Bouygues Telecom, them, do not démordent: the rebate received by Free Mobile akin to them in state aid and distorts competition.Consequently, they claim that the amount of their 3G license or subsequently revised downwards to 240 million euros.

In 2002, Orange and SFR had already obtained the price of their license is comparable to that accorded to Bouygues: 619 million euros, against 4.95 billion originally planned.

Along with this complaint in Brussels for aid, Orange, SFR and Bouygues have also seized the State Council, the highest administrative court in France. They attack the one hand, the decree fixing the amount of the fee, on the other hand, the decree gives the license to Free Mobile. The Council of State could make its decision by the end of the year. But the operators themselves are hardly any illusions.

ALSO READ:

»Free Mobile will offer 3G though

"VIDEO -" The arrival of Free Mobile already runs the market "

• Virtual operators have built a true position
• Towards a new record for Christmas SMS
• Mobile: more flexible rules for packages
• ICL plans to enter free
• Brussels asks Paris to change its tax shield