Operators comment on SCPEC’s stern warning

ArmenTel does not agree with the decision of State Commission for the Protection of Economic Competition (SCPEC) on issuing a stern warning to ArmenTel, K-Telecom and Orange Armenia on USB modem Internet services.

SCPEC Chairman Artak Shaboyan stated on March 14 that relying on the complaints of the citizens, the Commission held an investigation in the sphere of USB modem Internet services and revealed a number of issues related to the activities of the above mentioned companies. The Commission’s decision was based on the terms worked out by the companies, which allow them charging payments for the period when no Internet-services were provided.

“The issue discussed by the Commission is not the case”, acting ArmenTel spokesperson Tatev Hayrumyan told Mediamax.

She noted that “the subscribers pay for only the used services”.

Orange Armenia Coordinator of Corporate Issues and Public Relations Gayane Igityan told Mediamax that the Commission had not informed the company about the scheduled meeting.

“Until today we have not received the Commission’s decision and we will present detailed clarifications after having it”, Gayane Igityan stated.

VivaCell-MTS spokesperson Vahe Isahakyan told Mediamax that the company was notified by the Commission of only the study of the given issue.

“The company presented evidence to the Commission that the activities of VivaCell-MTS thoroughly comply with the law”, he said.

Vahe Isahakyan added that VivaCell-MTS was not invited to take part in the relevant meetings, neither had it received the Commission’s decision; the company learned about it from media.