Business · Trade · 2 hrs ago
Telefónica seeks higher fees for rivals using its underground ducts
Telefónica wants to raise the fees rivals pay to use its underground ducts in Spain.
These ducts carry fibre-optic cables and are important for building networks in cities.
The current system, set by Spain’s telecom regulator, the CNMC, controls what Telefónica can charge competitors for access.
Telefónica’s proposal would raise prices by 30% in the first year and by up to 116% over five years.
Rivals say the higher costs could push up customer bills by at least €1.50 a month, while Telefónica says the effect on competitors would be limited.
The CNMC’s board has changed since it began considering the proposal, and it is expected to decide in late 2026 or early 2027.
Telefónica is seeking to raise the fees rivals pay to rent its underground ducts used for fibre network deployments.
Its proposed voluntary commitments would increase current prices by 30% in the first year and by up to 116% over five years.
The Spanish competition regulator, CNMC, is expected to decide on the proposal in late 2026 or early 2027.
Rival operators say the higher fees would significantly raise their costs and could force them to increase consumer prices by at least €1.50 a month.
Telefónica says the impact on rivals’ costs would be limited and that alternative ducts are available.
- Who
- Telefónica is seeking higher fees. Its rivals include Orange, Digi, PremiunFiber and Onivia.
- What
- Telefónica has proposed voluntary commitments that would raise the fees rivals pay to rent its underground ducts.
- When
- The CNMC decision is expected in late 2026 or early 2027.
- Where
- Spain.
- Why
- Telefónica says the proposed fees are justified and rivals could use alternative ducts. Competitors say the increases would raise their costs.
Telefónica
Rival operators
Impact on rivals’ costs
Telefónica
Telefónica says the impact would be very limited.
Rival operators
Rivals say the increase would raise their costs substantially and could force them to increase consumer prices by at least €1.50 a month.
Alternative ducts
Telefónica
Telefónica says rivals could use ducts owned by electricity, gas or water companies.
Rival operators
Rivals say using those alternatives is impossible.
The CNMC approved starting a process to consider Telefónica’s proposed price increases.
Telefónica’s proposed fees would rise by 30%.
The CNMC is expected to decide whether to approve the proposed commitments.
- Proposed first-year increase
- 30%
- Proposed increase over five years
- Up to 116%
- Potential consumer price increase cited by rivals
- At least €1.50 a month
- Expected CNMC decision
- Late 2026 or early 2027
- Rival operators named
- Orange, Digi, PremiunFiber and Onivia