In response to subscriber appeals regarding price increases, the Agency for Protection and Development of Competition of the Republic of Kazakhstan examined tariff plans and the dynamics of price changes for cellular communication services. It was observed that in 2023, mobile operators recorded a substantial increase in prices, ranging from 7.7% to 57.3% on various tariff plans, the press service of the Agency reports.
From May to July 2023, cellular operators consistently raised the cost of services on more than 30 tariff plans, each with a monthly subscription fee, as published on their official websites.
Following paragraph 3 of Article 199 of the Entrepreneurial Code, due to repeated detection of signs of anticompetitive concerted actions in the calendar year, the Agency has initiated investigations against cellular operators, including Kcell JSC, MT-S LLP (Tele2/Altel), and Kar-Tel LLP (Beeline), under Article 170 of the Entrepreneurial Code.
Additionally, the Agency had previously identified signs of anticompetitive concerted actions in the actions of cellular operators regarding the cost of calls per minute and single SMS in tariff plans. Cellular operators were notified to rectify these signs through reasonable price reductions.
If cellular operators fail to comply with the notification within the established terms, the Agency will proceed with further investigations.
