| FCA's ATM decision makes it easier for new operators to enter the market |
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Nordea Bank Finland Plc, OP-Pohjola Group and Sampo Bank Plc have, following negotiations, given commitments on the pricing of their ATMs to the Finnish Competition Authority. The aforementioned banks own the Automatia Pankkiautomaatit Plc, which has its own Otto ATM network. In the future, the banks undertake to price their customers' Otto ATM withdrawals and the withdrawals made from the ATMs of the new ATM operators with debit cards (Visa Electron, Visa Debit and MasterCard Debit) in a non-discriminatory manner.
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| Obstacles to competition still remain in the broadband market |
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According to the Telecoms Market Progress Report published by the European Commission on 25 March, the Finnish problem is the lack of competition in the broadband market. The local incumbents' fixed broadband market share in Finland is approximately 65 per cent, which appreciably exceeds the EU average.
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| Social impact of the Finnish Competition Authority – Administrator’s Evaluation 26.2.2009 |
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Based on an overall view, the FCA’s operations within the existing legal framework have had a positive impact on society. The authority’s competence is
at a high level, it provides companies with valuable counselling and guidance on a case-by-case basis, and it scores highly in international comparisons.
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| A Report to the Minister: New competition legislation in Finland |
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The Ministry of Employment and the Economy appointed a working group in 2007 to assess the need to amend the Act on Competition Restrictions (480/1992). On 29 January 2009, the group delivered its report to the Minister proposing new competition legislation.
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| FCA introduces an industry-based organisation |
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The FCA reformed its organisation as of 1 February 2009 and it is now industry-based instead of the former division based on types of competition restraints. At the same time, a DG’s staff was introduced which is responsible for the analysis of economic change and the development of research.
After the organisation reform, the FCA is better equipped to detect and intervene with competition concerns in the markets. The industry-based examination increases in-depth knowledge of the various sectors, enables the simultaneous handling of several types of competition restraints in the same field and reinforces case handling. The FCA focuses its resources above all on sectors and restraints which have the most significance for the performance of the national economy and the welfare of consumers.
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