The Georgian National Communications Commission will examine whether Magticom’s intention to replace its 25 GEL package with a 30 GEL package constitutes an increase in service rates, and whether the company is authorised to abolish the former package at all. GNCC Chairman Kakha Bekauri stated at today’s meeting of the commission that due to the high level of public interest towards this case, GNCC will issue an intermediary assessment before delivering the final ruling. Mr. Bekauri added that based on preliminary assessment, we are dealing with an increase of service rates.

“GNCC has already begun studying and analysing this case. We are in the process of examining whether abolishing the 25 GEL package and replacing it with a 30 GEL package constitutes an increase in service rates, and whether the company is authorised to abolish the former package at all. Our preliminary assessment is that this indeed is an increase in service rates, but the commission will deliver its final ruling after studying the case in full.

“A powerful operator such as Magticom has a chain of responsibilities. If it abolishes one of its service packages, then it must offer customers an alternative service. We observe that if the 25 GEL package is abolished, Magticom is not offering any alternative products that are similar in terms of the services offered. A powerful operator should therefore view such changes with caution. GNCC will conclude its research and analysis, upon which we will make a decision on this matter,” Kakha Bekauri stated.

The GNCC chairman recalled that the company already tried to make its 25 GEL package more expensive last year. On that occasion, GNCC annulled the company’s decision and forced it to keep the 25 GEL unlimited package in force.

According to Kakha Bekauri, GNCC will once again examine the issue in detail and act in accordance with the law, as well as in the interests of the consumers.