The Dutch anti-cartel authority NMa has blocked the sale of a small cable service provider to KPN, saying it would ‘strongly’ limit competition, and calling for more research.

KPN said in May it planned to take over CAIW (known as Caiway), which has 143,000 clients mainly in the west of the country.
‘The takeover would lead to both the cable and the copper network in the west being owned by the same firm, the NMa said in a statement. ‘This will limit consumer choice in terms of television services, internet access and fixed link telephony.’
The NMa will now carry out a more detailed investigation into the takeover. In addition, KPN will have to apply for a licence to acquire CAIW if it decides to press ahead.
According to the Financieele Dagblad, KPN plans to press ahead with the purchase, despite NMa opposition.