This section features background information and resources relevant to the current research theme. It includes resources produced by WDR and external sources and is organised by regions and topics. An archive of resources recommended in previous research cycles is also available along with news from the WDR/Intelecon Regulatory News Service.
Armenia: ArmenTel Fined US$ 1.0 Million Print E-mail
Thursday, 31 July 2008

ArmenTel was fined US$ 1.0 million by Armenia’s anti-trust regulator for anti-competitive actions against the country’s Internet service providers (ISPs).

The fine comes after the launch of an ArmenTel service offering broadband access at a reduced cost. Competing ISPs claim that ArmenTel refuses to allow them to use its facilities to provide a similar service.

The State Commission for the Protection of Economic Competition (SCPEC) found a complaint filed by the ISPs to be legitimate and gave ArmenTel 15 days to resolve the situation. The 15 day period has expired and ArmenTel has failed to comply with the SCPEC’s order, and is now considered to be abusing its significant market power. ArmenTel denies any wrongdoing and is expected to appeal the SCPEC decision.

ArmenTel voluntarily relinquished its monopoly on the country’s Internet gateway shortly after its September 2006 takeover by Russia’s Vimpelcom. However, competing ISPs still rely on ArmenTel’s fibre-optic network linking to Georgia and Iran to carry a majority of Armenia’s Internet traffic.

Source: Armenia Liberty - WDR/Intelecon Regulatory News.