KPN strikes ‘reference deal’ on fixed network access

Dutch telco KPN has reached an agreement with rival service provider Tele2 and pay TV provider M7 Group about access to its fixed network based on virtual unbundled local access (VULA) and wholesale broadband access (WBA) respectively, for seven years.

VULA and WBA are alternatives to unbundled passive network access (MDF) that KPN currently offers to third-party providers.

KPN said its VULA agreement would be considered as a reference agreement for future deals.

The agreement is subject to approval by regulator the Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM). If consent is given, KPN will be able to upgrade its copper network, the company said.

KPN’s introduction of vectoring in its DSL access network means that its network is not compatible with current forms of local loop unbundling.

“We have been able to come to a commercial agreement with wholesale parties, which enables them to offer services to their customers. These agreements prove that we are able to enter into agreements for fixed access. Furthermore, this allows us to implement innovations in our fixed network in the interest of our customers,” said Joost Farwerck, COO and member of the Board of Management of KPN.