Parliament’s Economic Policy Committee seeks answers from mobile operators because of announced increase in prices of services

Two of the three mobile operators in Bulgaria have informed that they are raising prices from February. One by up to 2 leva for each service, the second by 15.3%, and the third - probably yet to announce an increase.

The argument that the reason for this increase is inflation challenged the MPs of the economic policy committee and the ombudsman Diana Kovacheva and they sought an explanation from the three mobile operators.

“We would like to inform you that the monthly subscriptions for mobile services will be indexed with the annual average consumer price index of the NSI for 2022 by 15.3%.”

Most Bulgarians have probably received a similar text message. The operators' argument is inflation.

According to the concluded contracts - they are entitled. The ombudsman Diana Kovacheva has received a number of questions, which she passed on to the representative of the mobile operators. For example, have the compensations provided to businesses for the high cost of electricity not helped?

Prof. Dr. Diana Kovacheva, Ombudsman of the Republic of Bulgaria: What is the need for this indexation, given the help and support from the state?

The industry answered that the state support has not fully compensated for the increase in electricity prices.

Andreana Atanasova, Chair of the Board of the Technology Industry Alliance: After the compensation, the increase in energy costs is 40%.

Operators confirmed - they are not at risk of bankruptcy, but if they do not increase prices - they will not be able to invest in the development of their technologies. This leaves consumers with several options:

1. To renegotiate their subscription plan on different terms;

2. Cancel their contract but pay penalties;

3. If on a termless contract - to terminate it with notice and without penalties;

And one more:

"There is also the possibility to seek the services of another operator by porting their numbers," said Andreana Atanasova.

However, people who have already received a text message about an increase do not see much alternative.

The industry body says that three operators are quite enough for the population of Bulgaria. A step back with the increase does not stand as a plan.

“We have no such intentions, of going backwards, at least for now, Andreana Atanasova said.

MPs asked if there was a way to reverse the decision for the price increase. The industry responded that it is the task of those in power to deal with inflation.