The Agency for the Protection and Development of Competition (APDC) has suspended its investigation into mobile operators, which was launched due to an increase in mobile communication tariffs. According to Bes.media, the investigation has been suspended indefinitely due to court proceedings.
"Every entity under investigation has the right to go to court and challenge the inspection by the authorities. As a result, the investigation has been suspended until the court proceedings are concluded," said Yerkebai Abdubakiyev, deputy head of the APDC department for Almaty, at a briefing.
To recall, in May, APDC Chairman Marat Omarov stated that the agency suspects three mobile operators in Kazakhstan (Kcell, Tele2/Altel, Beeline) of collusion regarding price increases on their tariffs. He noted at the time that the inspection of these companies was being finalised, results were being compiled, and certain court proceedings had already begun.
Subsequently, the APDC issued a warning to JSC Kazakhtelecom following the company's announcement of tariff increases, including for home internet.