OPTA’s work overlaps part of that performed by other national bodies. This demands coordination, for example, in relation to powers, a joint approach or substance. In order to ensure that this coordination occurs as effectively as possible, OPTA has signed a collaboration protocol with the following parties:
- NMa – Where is the boundary between general and sector-specific regulation for the purposes of competition? In addition to its collaboration protocol with NMA, arrangements have been made with the latter concerning cooperation for the purposes of market analyses and merger control
merger controlThe assessment of proposed mergers by NMa.
; - the Consumer Authority – collaboration for the purposes of consumer protection especially in relation to unfair trading practices, combating spam and tackling undesirable telemarketing;
- the Radiocommunications Agency Netherlands – coordination in relation to frequencies and the enforcement of the mandatory eavesdropping access which all network service providers are required to provide;
- the Media Authority – coordination in relation to broadcasting matters;
- the Data Protection Authority – the relationship between the general rules governing privacy in the Netherlands and the various tasks that OPTA is required to perform in relation to privacy in accordance with the provisions of the Telecommunications Act;
- the Public Prosecutor's Office – collaboration in relation to internet safety;
- the National Investigations Department (High-tech Crime Team) – sharing information and expertise for the purposes of combating malware.
OPTA’s most important partner is the Ministry of Economic Affairs. The relevant minister is responsible for approving its budget and annual report, as is stipulated in the Independent Post and Telecommunications Authority Act. In addition, OPTA discusses issues with the Ministry of Economic Affairs, such as policy development preparations, matters pertaining to the implementation of policy (so-called implementation tests, amongst other things) and the substance of dossiers and cases that are on the international agenda. Apart from the legal basis for this afforded by the Independent Post and Telecommunications Authority Act, a so-called information charter has been drafted for the purposes of structuring collaboration with the Ministry of Economic Affairs. In addition, a number of operational arrangements are set out in a code of conduct.