Krogerus successfully represents DNA in a competition law investigation regarding mobile network sharing

Krogerus successfully represented the telecommunications group DNA in the Finnish Competition and Consumer Authority's (FCCA) investigation regarding the construction and operation of Finland's first shared mobile network with TeliaSonera Finland Oyj in Northern and Eastern Finland. The network, which will include 4G, 3G and 2G base stations, will cover half of Finland’s geographical area and serve approximately 15 per cent of the population.

The shared network allows the competing companies to provide their customers with improved mobile telecommunications services utilising the latest technology. The co-operation also allows for substantial cost savings for the parties. Despite this, the FCCA had initial concerns that the arrangement could have a restrictive effect on competition. These initial concerns were remedied by certain commitments given by the parties. This allowed the FCCA to conclude the investigations after it found the commitments to ensure that consumers benefit from the cost savings and improved services.

Mobile network sharing arrangements between competing telecommunications companies have received attention from several competition authorities across Europe.

Partner Katri Joenpolvi led the Krogerus team representing DNA in the investigation, including submitting detailed efficiency grounds for the co-operation and negotiating the necessary commitments with the FCCA. She was assisted mainly by senior counsel Petteri Metsä-Tokila and associate Jarno Käkelä.