Weko (the Swiss competition committee) was asked to investigate the terms and conditions of EWZ-Swisscom deal for FTTH deployment. The deal is challenged on the premises of the exclusive rights given to Swisscom for the use of one fiber strand per home passed. The major issue is whether exclusive rights are justified by Swisscom’s participation in the project (i.e. does Swisscom investment in the project justifies the exclusive use of a fiber strand?).
To make things more interesting, Routerless, an FTTB+ADSL provider in Zurich asked Weko if EWZ has the right to refuse an FTTB connection (note: EWZ is planning to build an FTTH network).
Background Info: Swiss utilities are planning for FTTH roll-outs in collaboration with Swisscom. Zurich, Bern, among other cities invest via their energy utilities in FTTH and get Swisscom on board by negotiating the use of one (or more in some cases) fiber by the incumbent. The utilities deploy additional fiber for future use by other operators. This model (this form of collaboration between utilities and the incumbent) is unique in Europe.
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