NMa: No Investigation into UPC's Debt Collection Policy Necessary at Present
The Netherlands Competition Authority (NMa) has informed UPC that it views the recent measures taken by UPC to improve its debt collection policy favourably. For this reason, NMa has decided not to start an investigation into the possible abuse of a dominant position by UPC at present.
In April 2003, NMa requested clarification from UPC with regard to UPC's debt collection policy, following many letters and complaints from customers regarding the invoicing of incorrect amounts and unjustified disconnections. Since then NMa and UPC have had regular contact with regard to the processing of complaints and the provision of services by UPC. UPC's service provision to its customers has improved to such an extent since April 2003, since NMa became involved, that there is no justification at present for an investigation under competition law into UPCÂ’s debt collection policy, including disconnections. If the provision of services deteriorates again in the future, NMa does not exclude the possibility of an investigation.