Few in Germany either trust Deutsche Telekom AG to operate in the spirit of free and fair competition, or the German government to be tough enough to see that it does. Viag AG and Vebacom GmbH are two of the companies most immediately in the firing line, and both have been sounding off about the monopoly. Viag AG wants Brussels to take over the role of regulating the telecommunications industry to ensure that markets are truly opened to competition, with Maximilian Ardelt, a member o f the management board, saying I believe personally that is only possible at the EU level, outside of national political influences. He wants number portability as well as fair access charges to the former monopoly’s network. Meantime Vebacom GmbH has filed a complaint with the German competition authority against Deutsche Telekom alleging anti- competitive behavior, saying that in contrast to statements Telekom had made publicly, it had not allowed Vebacom access to its network to launch pilot digital television programs in the Berlin area, and the planned starting date of mid-May was now impossible. This behavior is anti-competitive, as we rely on our connection to the network to start the project and start competing, Vebacom chief Ulf Bohla fulminated. As well as its complaint to the competition authorities, Vebacom would also be taking legal action against Deutsche Telekom. Vebacom is allied with Cable & Wireless Plc, and Viag with British Telecommunications Plc.
