VATM, the German telecommunications association, has warned that Deutsche Telekom’s growing dominance in the fibre‑optic market could undermine competition and harm consumers. “A renewed monopolisation cannot be a goal for the country and its customers” said Valentina Daiber, VATM’s president, when speaking to the Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland.
In Germany the situation differs from other countries, she explained, noting that Deutsche Telekom is expanding its market share in the fibre sector. In contrast, former state monopolists in other states have seen their shares shrink while rival players gain ground.
Daiber also highlighted VATM’s push for stronger voluntary cooperation among operators to jointly market fibre networks. However, current figures indicate that alternative providers still struggle to gain access to Deutsche Telekom’s network: even the Bonn‑based conglomerate itself appears reluctant to accept offers that would allow its customers to use competitors’ new infrastructures.
On Monday, the Digital Ministry presented a draft amendment to the Telecommunications Act aimed at accelerating the fibre rollout. Daiber stressed that accelerating the rollout is insufficient without safeguarding and enhancing competition. “Investment on the scale of billions can only be sustained through clear rules and fair market chances” she said.