Swisscom wins appeal against SFr333 million fine

The Federal Administrative Court has overturned a fine for unfair competition practices handed down to Switzerland's largest communications provider, Swisscom.

Swisscom – a former monopoly which is still majority-owned by the government – appealed in November against the SFr333 million ($308 million) fine issued by the Federal Competition Commission for alleged abuse of the pricing of broadband services, anti-competitive behaviour and contravention of competition law.

The commission said Swisscom had displayed anti-competitive behaviour by abusing its dominant market position and that until the end of 2007 the prices it charged for broadband connectivity services (BBCS) were too high.

Swisscom rejected the allegations and said the fine was unjustified. It argued the BBCS costs were negotiated with other mobile phone operators who could have complained to the Competition Commission.

The court ruling can still go before the Federal Court.

swissinfo.ch and agencies