substitution effects arising when a hypothetical monopolist were to increase its product price in a given geographical area for a certain period of time. 21) “SMP Operator” means a Telecommunications Operator that has been found to have Significant Market Power in a relevant market, either acting individually or jointly with others, it enjoys a position equivalent to dominance, that is to say a position of economic strength affording it the power to behave to a noticeable extent independently of competitors, customers, and ultimately consumers. 22) “Substitute Products or Services” means products and services that compete directly with each other, so that the potential demand or supply‐side substitution between them will constrain their prices.” 23) “Vertically Integrated Operator” means a Telecommunications Operator that provides Wholesale and Retail Services. 24) “Vertical Merger” means a Merger between two or more Telecommunications Operators operating at different levels within the same market's supply chain. 25) “Wholesale Service” means a Telecommunications, Collocation, or Infrastructure Sharing Service, that is provided to another Telecommunications Operator. 26) “Working Days” means business working days only and shall not include Saturday, Sunday and any day that has been declared to be a public holiday by the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia. 3. Objective The objectives of this Directive are to: 1) Provide a framework to define relevant markets and determine whether a Telecommunications Operator has Significant Market Power in a relevant market. 2) Provide a framework to determine whether a Telecommunications Operator has engaged, or has likely engaged in conduct or practice that could be reasonably regarded as anti‐competitive in accordance with Article 48 of the Proclamation. 3) Prevent Telecommunications Operators from engaging in any conduct or practice that has the purpose or effect, of substantially lessening competition. 4) Provide a framework to review and decide on mergers and acquisitions affecting a Telecommunications Operator. 5) Prevent Telecommunications Service markets from being monopolized and promote competition among Telecommunications Operators. 6) Improve the overall economic efficiency of the Telecommunications market. 4. Scope of Application This Directive applies to all Telecommunications Operators, including infrastructure sharing and collocation, and interconnection service providers in the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia. However, some provisions, when specified, are only applicable to operators with SMP in a relevant market. 4