Vodafone lodges complaint over Telefonica in Spain
Updated by Endah
MADRID
Vodafone branding is seen outside a retail store in London November 12, 2013.
CREDIT: REUTERS/TOBY MELVILLE
The British company's complaint, filed on Friday, comes as competition is intensifying in Spain's market with sources saying Vodafone is studying a bid for cable operator Ono.
Vodafone on Monday accused the former Spanish state monopoly of abusing its position on its home turf by striking a deal with competitor Jazztel (JAZ.MC).
Telefonica aimed to control the lion's share of Spain's fibre optics networks - those that can offer high-speed Internet and large data transfers, Vodafone said in a statement to Reuters.
Vodafone said Telefonica's deal with Jazztel over fibre optic networks was struck in October 2012 and was part of a tactic to make it impossible for Vodafone to compete since it does not have fibre optic networks.
Telefonica also struck a deal with Telia Sonera's (TLSN.ST) Yoigo in 2013, also the subject of complaints by Vodafone.
"All the practices ... leave fewer choices for consumers," said Vodafone.
A spokesman for Telefonica said: "All our deals are legal. We have shown we are willing to sign deals with everyone."
(writing by Sarah Morris, editing by David Evans)
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