In the hope of getting a big income, MTS PJSC raised tariff prices, thereby arousing the interest of the Federal Antimonopoly Service. Can the company escape punishment?
The Federal Antimonopoly Service initiated a case against MTS due to an unreasonable increase in the cost of services. FAS reports that in January 2022, MTS PJSC increased the cost of cellular services for 28 million subscribers by an average of 9.5%. The company justified itself by increasing costs, although the operator did not provide sufficient evidence of expenses.
At the same time, MTS spokesman Alexei Merkutov emphasizes that the rise in prices is associated with an increase in the cost of maintaining and building networks, equipment and its delivery, an increase in the cost of electricity and services that the operator purchases from external contractors.
“The increase in tariffs in the absence of technological, economic and other justification violates the interests of consumers,” the FAS says.
While the company justifies itself for raising prices, their competitors continue to evolve and offer lucrative rates. And the only thing that MTS can offer is a new branch manager in the Irkutsk region, although even this does not guarantee good quality and reasonable prices.
Konstantin Zimin was appointed the new director of the branch. Since April 2019, the top manager has been the head of the MTS division in the Khanty-Mansiysk Autonomous Okrug. Among the priorities, the new director highlights the improvement of the quality of communication in the region, the development of an ecosystem of digital services, the introduction of innovative products and services of MTS. In addition, further development of the fixed network is planned.
There is only one conclusion from this situation – MTS decided to turn its attention to the new director of the branch in the Irkutsk region. Obviously, with this, the company intends to hide its oversights.
