Dutch telecoms sector watchdog OPTA is looking into the idea of splitting former state-owned KPN into separate network and service companies. OPTA said it was exploring the concept because KPN was in the process of building a new communications network which will make it easier to manage the infrastructure.

OPTA said it had been influenced by cases in the UK which showed competition was best served by an independent infrastructure. KPN told the Financieele Dagblad it saw no merit in the idea because its networks were already open to other players.