The Federal Antimonopoly Service (FAS) fined MTS 3 billion rubles for “an unreasonable increase in tariffs”, since the operator makes high profits, which allows it not to additionally charge consumers. This was announced by the head of the department, Maxim Shaskolsky, within the framework of the All-Russian Tariff Conference, RIA Novosti reports.
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“[Тариф] recognized as not economically justified. In this case, the increase in expenses is covered by income without increasing tariffs: the funds received are withdrawn as dividends, the telecom operator makes a fairly high profit, and there is no need to burden consumers with additional tariffs,” Shaskolsky explained.
On October 14, the FAS ordered MTS to transfer 3 billion rubles to the federal budget, which the regulator recognized as “unjustifiably received revenue from tariff increases.” The service also ordered the operator to reduce rates.
According to the department, in April and May MTS increased prices for communication services for more than 30 million subscribers by an average of 8%. The regulator called the increase economically unjustified and contrary to the interests of consumers, accusing the company of violating antitrust laws.
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In October 2022, the regulator already required the operator to reduce rates due to their increase of more than 20%.
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In September 2023, the FAS announced that it would check MTS due to complaints from subscribers about increasing prices for communication services.
Author:
Bogdan Muzychenko
Source: RB
I am a professional journalist and content creator with extensive experience writing for news websites. I currently work as an author at Gadget Onus, where I specialize in covering hot news topics. My written pieces have been published on some of the biggest media outlets around the world, including The Guardian and BBC News.
