Support The Moscow Times!

Uzbek Mobile Operators Accused of Collusion

The Federal Anti-Monopoly Service has opened a case against mobile phone operators Rubicon Wireless Communication and Uzmobile, accusing them of violating anti-trust legislation and forming a cartel.

The anti-monopoly watchdog said the two Uzbekistan-registered operators had colluded to push their main competitor, Uzdunrobit, which is a subsidiary of MTS, out of the market, Interfax reported.

Current anti-trust legislation allows the Federal Anti-Monopoly Service to make judgements in cases when anti-competition practices abroad affect the domestic market.

The cutoff of Uzdunrobita's operations caused a reduction in international roaming calls between Russia and Uzbekistan and harmed the interests of the leading Russian mobile operator, the watchdog said.

Uzbek authorities revoked Uzdunrobit's license in summer 2012, while a Tashkent court declared the company bankrupt under the weight of claims leveled against the company by various agencies totaling over $1 billion.

Mobile TeleSystems says the accusations leveled against its subsidiary are unfounded and vows to use international legal avenues to recover the damages resulting from the Uzbek authorities' actions.

On Nov. 15 2012 the company filed a suit against Uzbekistan at the International Center for Settling Investment Disputes under the auspices of the World Bank.

… we have a small favor to ask.

As you may have heard, The Moscow Times, an independent news source for over 30 years, has been unjustly branded as a "foreign agent" by the Russian government. This blatant attempt to silence our voice is a direct assault on the integrity of journalism and the values we hold dear.

We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. Our commitment to providing accurate and unbiased reporting on Russia remains unshaken. But we need your help to continue our critical mission.

Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just 2. It's quick to set up, and you can be confident that you're making a significant impact every month by supporting open, independent journalism. Thank you.

Continue

Read more