APDC: IT IS IMPORTANT TO REGULATE COMPETITION IN THE COMMUNICATION MARKET

Deputy Director of the Department of Transport and communications of the agency for protection and development of competition Zhanna Kabdoldakyzy took part in the program "open field" on the national channel "Qazaqstan" and told about the steps taken by the agency for the development of the communication market.   

               Zhanna Kabdoldakyzy noted that in the program, which focused on the problems of the quality of the internet and communication, it is necessary to develop competition in the first place. Because today the mobile market in Kazakhstan is considered duopolistic. Therefore, there are only 2 entities on the market – Kazakhtelecom JSC group of companies with a share of more than 60% (Kcell JSC, mobile telecom-service LLP: Tele2 / Altel), as well as a separate operator KAR – Tel LLP (Beeline).

               Due to excessive state interference in the market and Monopoly, there was a decrease in customer competition among operators, an increase in the price of communication, the download of services that were not requested by season tickets, as well as complaints about the quality of communication and internet services.

                In 2022, the Ministry of digital development, innovation and aerospace industry of the Republic of Kazakhstan received more than 350 complaints about increasing tariffs and unilaterally connecting additional services, while the agency received more than 100 official complaints from Kazakhstanis due to the increase in the cost of tariffs during this period.

               Therefore, the agency is currently preparing a decree to remove this market from monopoly. In his project, Kazakhtelecom JSC proposed to release one operator as a separate market entity (player). The agency also adopted a draft law on the development of competition. These documents will help regulate the communication market in the country. 

Link to the full version of the program: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f01hlgvgGXo