FAS ordered MTS to pay 3 billion rubles for inflated communication tariffs

For the first time, the Federal Antimonopoly Service (FAS) obliged MTS to transfer to the budget 3 billion rubles received from an unreasonable increase in tariffs for communication services. This increase, which occurred in April and May 2024, averaged 8% and affected more than 30 million subscribers. The operator must also reduce tariffs for affected customers.

Image source: MTS

During the antimonopoly investigation, which began in October 2024, it turned out that MTS increased tariffs without an economic justification. The FAS conclusion showed that the increase was aimed solely at increasing the operator’s income. This step affected more than 30 million subscribers, which makes this case one of the largest in the practice of antimonopoly regulation in the telecommunications market.

MTS, in turn, said that the company could challenge the decision of the antimonopoly service. “The company will make a decision on further actions, including their possible challenge, based on the results of the assessment,” the operator’s press service said. This is a typical move for large companies, as they often disagree with regulators’ decisions.

The FAS is confident that this decision will create an important precedent and strengthen fair competition in the telecommunications market. According to the department, such measures will not only ensure the protection of consumer rights, but will also contribute to the establishment of transparent tariffs among telecom operators.