The three mobile operators in Bulgaria may face unprecedented sanctions, including the revocation of licenses, due to systematic violations of consumer rights. This became clear from the statements of civil society organizations and deputies during a public discussion in the National Assembly.
According to data from the Consumer Protection Commission (CPC), all three telecoms continue to violate the rights of their customers, despite the fines imposed.
"The current financial sanctions do not scare telecoms. They calculate the unfair treatment of consumers into the price of the service," said Bogomil Nikolov from the "Active Consumers" Association. He called for the introduction of stricter penalties following the example of Western European countries: "In German law and French law you will see - up to two years of imprisonment for the manager... We have an upgrade of the sanctions in order to obtain the necessary effect. Money alone is not enough. There must be guarantees of continuity. No one in the world will stop communications if work must also be stopped by revoking a license".
Maya Manolova, who is behind the only three collective lawsuits against mobile operators, proposed specific legislative changes. "The CPC and the CRC should approve the general terms and conditions of telecoms, just as the EWRC approves the general terms and conditions of all energy companies," Manolova pointed out. It insists on banning unilateral price increases under existing contracts and introducing sanctions of 3% of annual turnover.
"The Competition Commission must impose extremely harsh penalties for the arbitrariness of these mobile operators", categorically states Emil Georgiev from the Consumer Federation.
The Competition Commission confirms that the current maximum sanctions of 50,000 leva are extremely insufficient and supports the idea of revoking licenses for systemic violations.