The Arbitration Court of the City of Moscow supported the position of the FAS Russia regarding PJSC "MTS", which in April and May 2024 violated the Law on Protection of Competition by increasing the cost of cellular services by an average of 8% for more than 30 million subscribers. The antimonopoly service found that the increase was economically unjustified and infringed on the interests of consumers.
The company tried to challenge the decision and order, but subsequently appealed to the agency with a proposal to conclude a settlement agreement.
Thus, by January 16, 2026, the operator is obliged to offer subscribers affected by the increase in the cost of cellular services 7 alternative options for choosing a tariff refund, within the framework of which the increase occurred. Among them are bringing tariffs to the level of April-May 2024, cashback in the amount of 8% of monthly charges for 1 year, additional packages of minutes, Internet and other types of services.
Also, PJSC "MTS" needs to transfer illegally obtained income in the amount of 664 million rubles to the budget. In addition, as part of the implementation of the agency's order following the consideration of the antimonopoly case, the company is obliged to invest 2.4 billion rubles in the development of communication networks in settlements with a population of less than 1000 people. Their list will be determined by the Ministry of Digital Development of Russia.
The measures are aimed at increasing the availability of telecom services, including communication and Internet services, as well as expanding coverage and developing the industry. The FAS retains control over the full implementation of the operator's obligations.
