FAS: “VYMPELCOM” PJSC VOLUNTARILY ELIMINATED VIOALTIONS OF THE ANTIMONOPOLY LAW

The Commission recognized the fact of fixing monopolistically high price for communications services in national roaming

In summer 2017 FAS opened cases against each of the “Big Four” operators upon signs of violating Clause 1 Part 1 Article 10 of the Federal Law “On Protection of Competition”.

Elements of the violation include fixing, and maintaining monopolistically high prices for communications in national roaming and reaching national inter-operator roaming agreements in the Russian Federation.

Investigating the case, the FAS Commission found a violation of the Federal Law “On Protection of Competition” (Clause 1 Part 1 Article 10) in the part of subscriber roaming rates and recognized that the company violated the antimonopoly law.

On 4 December “Vympelcom” PJSC announced rate changes; and started applying new rates for communications in national roaming since 14 December. Thus, FAS did not issue a determination.

Such violations of the antimonopoly law are administratively liable. The size of the fine will be announced when the antimonopoly proceedings are finalized.

Actions of “Vympelcom” PJSC also do not contain violations related to inter-operator roaming agreements in the Russian Federation. The case in this part is terminated.

Deputy Head of FAS Anatoly Golomolzin said: “Vympelcom” was assisting FAS Commission throughout the entire investigation. As a result, administrative liability (the fine) can be mitigated”.