MEMO/08/666
Brussels, 30th October 2008
Antitrust: Commission inspection of incumbent telecom operator in Poland Telekomunikacja Polska S.A.
The European Commission can confirm that on 23 September 2008 Commission officials conducted an unannounced inspection at the premises of Telekomunikacja Polska S.A., the incumbent telecom operator in Poland. The Commission has reason to believe that the company concerned may have infringed EC Treaty rules on abuse of a dominant market position (Article 82).
The Commission officials were accompanied by their counterparts from the Polish national competition authority - Urząd Ochrony Konkurencji i Konsumentów.
Surprise inspections are a preliminary step in investigations into suspected abuse of dominant position. The fact that the European Commission carries out such inspections does not mean that the company is guilty of anti-competitive behaviour; nor does it prejudge the outcome of the investigation itself. The European Commission respects the rights of defence, in particular the right of companies to be heard in antitrust proceedings.
There is no strict deadline to complete an antitrust investigation. Its duration depends on a number of factors, including the complexity of the case and the exercise of the rights of defence.
