KPN will be able to switch off traditional interconnection from October 2021.
The ACM had to authorise KPN’s plan: In the Netherlands, KPN is gradually replacing the traditional circuit-switched (TDM) interconnection with IP interconnection. The Dutch regulator, the ACM, reports that most of the traffic is already routed through IP interconnection. In 2017, in its latest review of the fixed and mobile call termination markets, the ACM ruled that KPN had to notify the regulator and obtain permission to switch off TDM interconnection.
The switch-off is approved: On 3 November 2020, the ACM decided to approve KPN’s plan to completely switch off TDM interconnection from 1 October 2021, and noted that other operators will now have a clear picture of when they will complete the move to IP interconnection.
The five criteria KPN had to meet: The ACM found that KPN’s plan meets the criteria that it set out in the market review. These include a reasonable phase-out period, the availability of regulated alternatives, equal treatment in phasing out related services used by KPN itself, clear phasing-out procedures, and service guarantee during migration.
