Belgium has the most expensive telecom prices in the European Union
Post and telecommunications services in Belgium are around 76% more expensive than the average for the Member States of the European Union, according to figures from Eurostat. Consumer organization Test Achats stressed on Tuesday that there is an urgent need for more competition. Belgium tops Eurostat‘s ranking in this regard, followed by Greece, Ireland and Luxembourg. A total of 61 categories were taken into account to establish it. The Dutch and Germans pay 28 and 20 percent more, respectively, and the French even 6.5 percent less than the European average. More about most expensive telecom prices in the European Union below.
‘The market share of the major providers remains considerably high, which is not conducive to competition. Due to the pronounced duopoly of Proximus and the cable operators, the choice of the consumer is thus limited, ‘says Test Achats, the Belgian Consumers’ Association.
Competition has increased somewhat in recent years thanks to challenger Orange, but the recent decision regarding the wholesale tariffs of BIPT means that the large suppliers will also be able to ‘regularly increase their prices from their dominant position’ in the coming years.
The consumer organization recognizes that competition has intensified somewhat in recent years with Orange, “but the recent decision on wholesale tariffs by BIPT (the telecommunications regulator) means that the large operators can continue to increase their prices. prices without being disturbed by their dominant position in the years to come ”.
The consumer organization recalls that a fourth network operator is needed for the auction of 5G frequencies on the Belgian market. “Only the entry into the running of a fourth network operator with a full range of services can guarantee the recovery of the dynamics of the mobile telecommunications market in Belgium”, concludes Test-Achats. most expensive telecom prices in the European Union
