More than 'pretend competition' in German telecommunications

Abstract

In a globally networked economy, the telecommunications sector – which was long in the hands of a state-run company – must not close its eyes to competition. All the same, Germany was late in starting to deregulate the industry and so far has concentrated more on competition among service providers than among network operators. Even though several steps have been taken to open the telecommunications market further, the former monopolist continues to dominate it so strongly that critics speak of mere 'pretend' competition.ICT, fixed line, telephony, regulation