The Norwegian Competition Authority (NCA) has issued a Statement of Objections regarding Telenor’s proposed acquisition of the consumer business of GlobalConnect, signalling serious concerns that the transaction could weaken competition in the broadband market and potentially lead to higher prices and lower service quality for consumers. While the Authority has not yet taken a final decision, the issuance of the formal notice indicates that the regulator believes the transaction may significantly restrict competition in several local markets across Norway.
According to the Authority’s preliminary assessment, Telenor and GlobalConnect currently compete closely in the provision of broadband services to consumers and housing associations in a number of geographic areas. In these markets, consumers often rely on the presence of both companies as alternative suppliers. The proposed acquisition would eliminate this direct competitive relationship, reducing the number of available providers for many households and residential communities.
Competition authorities generally consider broadband infrastructure markets particularly sensitive to consolidation because network deployment involves significant fixed costs and high barriers to entry. As a result, the loss of an existing competitor may be difficult to offset through new market entry or expansion by smaller players. The NCA has therefore expressed concern that the merger could reduce competitive pressure on prices, service quality, and innovation.
Gjermund Nese, Director of the Department of Finance and Communications at the Norwegian Competition Authority, emphasized the importance of preserving competitive market structures in sectors that provide essential services to households. He noted that effective competition ensures consumers can access the best possible services at the lowest feasible prices. Based on the Authority’s preliminary findings, the acquisition could weaken this competitive dynamic in the broadband market if allowed to proceed without modifications.
The Authority’s concerns are not limited to broadband services. The investigation has also identified potential competitive risks in the market for television services supplied to consumers. Broadband and television offerings are often sold together as bundled packages, meaning that reduced competition in broadband infrastructure can also influence competition in adjacent service markets.
During the merger review process, the parties submitted a set of proposed remedies intended to address the Authority’s concerns. Such remedies typically involve commitments designed to preserve competition, for example through asset divestitures, access obligations, or behavioural commitments. However, according to the NCA, the remedies presented so far appear insufficient to mitigate the potential negative effects identified during the investigation. Eva Nysæther, the project manager overseeing the case, stated that the Authority’s assessment indicates that the commitments currently offered would not adequately protect consumers from the risks associated with the transaction.
The Statement of Objections represents an intermediate procedural step in the merger control process rather than a final enforcement decision. It provides the merging parties with an opportunity to respond to the Authority’s concerns and present additional arguments or revised remedies. Telenor and GlobalConnect now have fifteen working days to submit their comments on the Authority’s preliminary assessment.
Following the parties’ response, the Norwegian Competition Authority will have an additional fifteen working days to reach a final decision on whether to approve the transaction, approve it subject to conditions, or prohibit it altogether. The statutory deadline for the Authority’s final decision in the case is 15 May 2026.
The transaction was initially notified to the Norwegian Competition Authority on 7 November 2025. After conducting its initial review, the Authority announced on 12 December 2025 that the case would require a more detailed investigation. The parties subsequently submitted proposed remedies on 10 March 2026. The Statement of Objections was issued on 27 March 2026, marking the formal stage in which the Authority communicates its competition concerns to the parties.
