APDC Investigates Inflated Kazakhtelecom Rates

The Agency for the Protection and Development of Competition (APDC) has completed an analysis of the wired Internet services market, leading to an investigation against Kazakhtelecom JSC, Orda reports.

Kazakhtelecom is suspected of setting monopolistically high prices for Internet services.

According to APDC, the fixed-line Internet market in Kazakhstan is highly concentrated, with dominance by two companies: Kazakhtelecom and Kar-Tel LLC (Beeline).

During the inspection, the agency identified barriers that prevent other operators from entering the market. This includes difficulties with access to apartment buildings and problems with obtaining information on the technical conditions for connecting to cable sewer networks,  the department stated.

The removal of these barriers, according to APDC, would allow Kazakhstanis to choose their own Internet service providers and receive technical information free of charge. The antimonopoly body has already sent recommendations to the authorized state bodies on removing these obstacles.

Earlier, APDC had warned Kazakhtelecom about its plans to raise Internet and communication tariffs from July 1, 2024, reminding the company of the need to set prices fairly.

Original Author: Ruslan Loginov