Update: Dutch regulator OPTA threatens hotels offering internet to guests

Update: 28-10: Hotels aren't telecomproviders the OPTA has confirmed. It had approached 15 organisations. Only 3 organisations who delivered ISP services to multiple hotels were asked for extra information. Hotels, conference centers and installation companies who install hardware were not deemed telecommunications providers.

Update 14-10: Only 10 hotel. chains were asked. If some of them route their own internet traffic, ie have an AS number and routable traffic, then it may be that they do have to register. But it's a big if. See Webwereld, where I perform as a pundit

Just when I was writing a longer blogpost on the outdated distinction between public and private telecoms networks (related to M2M), here comes the Dutch regulator OPTA with a reason why we should have some form distinction. OPTA is of the opinion, after a public network complained, that hotels are offering a public network if they are offering internet to their guests. This means these hotels have to register with OPTA and pay 250 euro a year. What I find shocking is that OPTA isn't able to conclude by itself that the complaining public network was completely and utterly wrong. I also wonder why McDonalds wasn't mentioned as a major infringer.