The Antimonopoly Office of the Slovak Republic (PMÚ) carried out a series of unannounced inspections between 17 and 20 March 2026 at the premises of four companies active in the construction and operation of optical fibre networks in Slovakia. The inspections form part of an ongoing investigation into potential infringements of competition law in a sector considered critical for the country’s digital infrastructure.
According to the authority, the inspections were triggered by suspicions that certain companies may have engaged in conduct restricting competition. The suspected practices include the possible abuse of a dominant position and the conclusion of vertical agreements that could limit competitive conditions in the market.
The optical fibre sector plays a central role in the development of digital services in Slovakia. Fibre networks are expected to shape the future performance of the country’s internet infrastructure, directly influencing the speed, availability, quality, and pricing of internet services offered to end users. Given the strategic importance of high-capacity broadband networks for both households and businesses, the authority’s scrutiny of competitive dynamics in this market highlights the broader regulatory attention being paid to digital infrastructure across Europe.
If the investigation ultimately confirms that competition rules have been violated, the companies involved could face significant financial penalties. Under Slovak competition law, businesses found to have breached competition rules may be fined up to 10 percent of their turnover from the preceding closed financial year.
The PMÚ emphasized that the inspections themselves do not constitute a finding of wrongdoing. The authority stressed that conducting dawn raids is a preliminary investigative measure and does not prejudge the outcome of the investigation or imply that the companies involved have infringed competition law.
The case adds to growing regulatory attention across Europe to the structure and governance of digital infrastructure markets, particularly where network operators may possess significant market power in the rollout and management of next-generation connectivity. As investigations proceed, the Slovak authority will assess whether market practices in the fibre network sector comply with competition rules designed to safeguard open and competitive digital markets.
