By MACHARIA KAMAU
Safaricom has refuted claims that it is abusing its dominance in the mobile telephony sector.
The firm said the Communications Commission of Kenya (CCK) is not justified on imposing special regulations on its products and services.
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It was reacting to an announcement by CCK that it plans to declare the firm dominant and subject its products and services to further regulation.
This will be facilitated by a new piece of regulation – the Competition Guidelines - which CCK expects will further level the playing ground and enhance competition.
In a statement yesterday, Safaricom Chief Executive Bob Collymore said his firm had not exhibited “any” anti-competition behaviour or used its huge market shareholding to the detriment of consumers or put entry barriers for other companies that want to venture into telecoms business.
He added that CCK should consult newly created Competition Authority to play an increased role in the regulation of the telecoms business, terming it as the ultimate authority on competition.
In a consultation paper last week, the regulator identified voice and text message services offered by Safaricom as well as fixed line telephony services by Telkom Kenya as among those that require further regulatory approaches.
