Unmetered and uneconomic: Europe's new internet access deals

摘要

What do you call it when a media magnate sells their products at way below cost price bringing their competitors close to bankruptcy? Simple enough - it's predatory pricing, anti-competitive behaviour threatening democratic freedom of expression and demanding immediate regulatory action. OK, what do you call it when an ISP or telco gives away internet access at way below cost price? The general reaction of governments seems to be a hearty slap on the back and a round of applause. So why the huge discrepancy? Whether or not it is the intention of the ISPs or telcos to knock out their competitors the end result of the rush to cheaper internet access will be a considerable consolidation of the market.