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Decisions

Síminn hf.'s wholesale and distribution in the English Premier League

  • Get document
  • Case number: 2/2024
  • Date: 30/1/2024
  • Company:
    • Síminn hf.
    • Nova hf.
  • Sectors:
    • Telecommunications, IT and media
  • Policy Area:
    • Cartel or a dominance abuse
  • Summary

    On 23 June 2023, the Icelandic Competition Authority (ICA) received a complaint from Nova hf. complaining that Síminn hf. had refused to grant Nova wholesale access to the television channel Síminn Sport, which broadcasts English Premier League football matches and related content.

    On 16 July 2023, ICA published Decision No. 30/2023 on a provisional basis due to Síminn’s allaged violation of Article 11 of the Icelandic Competition Act by refusing Nova wholesale and distribution contract of the television channel Síminn Sport, which contains broadcasts of English Premier League football. It was considered to be a refusal to sell by a company that had an important and popular product for resale and that it would have a detrimental effect on competition in the telecommunications and television markets if Nova could no longer offer its customers the English Premier League.

    When prioritizing, it is possible to consider whether the company complained about has ceased its conduct that was the cause of the complaint. Síminn has ceased the conduct that was the cause of Nova's complaint and in effect declared that the company will not again resort to the same conduct towards Nova for the duration of the broadcasting rights to broadcasts from the English Premier League, or until 30 June 2025.

    In light of this, the workload and insufficient financial resources, ICA has decided to halt the investigation of this case without further intervention.

    This means that ICA does not take a further position on the legality of Síminn's actions than was done in interim decision No. 30/2023. However, if the grounds for this decision change, ICA may reopen the investigation. ICA will not take any further action in this matter.