site.btaCommunications Regulator: Revoking Mobile Operators' Licences to Disrupt Economy

Revoking the licences of Bulgaria’s three national mobile operators would cause serious economic disruptions, Communications Regulation Commission (CRC) Chair Ivan Dimitrov said here on Wednesday.

Speaking at the Subcommittee on Monitoring Consumer Protection Activities and Restriction of Monopolies in Parliament, Dimitrov presented an impact analysis conducted by CRC experts in response to a proposal from the Consumer Protection Commission (CPC) to revoke the licences of A1 Bulgaria, Yettel Bulgaria, and Vivacom Bulgaria. The session also addressed consumer complaints and consumer protection measures.

Dimitrov acknowledged that the issue is complex and requires careful discussion. He noted that the CRC received over 100 calls within 24 hours, raising concerns about how the country would function if mobile services were abruptly shut down.

"There was a perception that unnecessary tension was being created. The proposed license revocation does not align with the Electronic Communications Act," Dimitrov said. He emphasized that the legal framework governing the sector is outdated and does not adequately reflect modern technological realities.

The CRC’s impact assessment underscored the severe consequences of such a move. "Revoking these licences would trigger a nationwide economic upheaval," Dimitrov stressed, adding that communication disruptions would not only affect consumers but also businesses and essential services.

"Despite dissatisfaction and calls for immediate action, I urge careful consideration. Imagine the consequences if we lost access to mobile communication even for an hour," he said. Dimitrov called for expert-level discussions to ensure that any regulatory changes are backed by comprehensive analysis and practical solutions.

Earlier on Wednesday, Consumer Protection Commission (CPC) Chair Maria Filipova told the Subcommittee on Monitoring Consumer Protection Activities and Restriction of Monopolies that existing measures against unfair practices by mobile operators in Bulgaria remain ineffective. Despite court rulings and sanctions, telecoms continue practices such as price indexation and failing to provide sufficient information to vulnerable consumers. Filipova argued that current penalties, including fines of up to BGN 50,000, do not deter violations, raising concerns about the need for stronger regulatory action.