Telefónica and its mobile arm faced a decisive setback when Spain’s highest court affirmed a hefty penalty tied to historic collaborations with rival Yoigo.
2008: Early Commercial Pact
Telefónica and Yoigo entered a commercial agreement that regulators later scrutinized for potentially limiting competition in the burgeoning mobile market.
2013: Renewed Cooperation
A second pact was struck, deepening the coordination between the two operators and drawing further attention from antitrust watchdogs.
National Court Verdict
The Audiencia Nacional examined the agreements and, concluding they breached competition rules, imposed a €6 million fine on both Telefónica entities.
Supreme Court Ruling
Telefónica appealed, seeking to overturn the sanction. The Supreme Court rejected the cassation appeal, thereby confirming the lower court’s decision and leaving the fine in place.
Current Status
With the Supreme Court’s endorsement, the €6 million penalty stands, underscoring Spain’s commitment to enforcing fair competition in the telecom sector and reminding large operators of the legal risks of restrictive arrangements.