Russia: Issued FAS order requiring telecommunication providers MTS, Megafon, Beeline and Tele2 to suspend fees for distributing Internet traffic from mobile devices

On 18 September 2023, the Russian Federal Antimonopoly Service (FAS) issued an order to telecommunication providers MTS, Megafon, Beeline and Tele2, the "Big Four" mobile operators, to suspend fees for distributing Internet traffic from mobile devices. The FAS found that major telecommunications operators are imposing unfavourable contractual terms on subscribers regarding communication services by implementing charges for distributing internet traffic from subscriber devices. In August 2023, FAS Russia requested information from the Big Four operators to clarify the situation but found their justifications insufficient. The FAS noted that the actions of the mobile operators represent potential violations of anti-monopoly legislation and required them to cease these actions. Operators must comply within a month by removing charges for internet distribution via mobile devices and preventing any restrictions on this service for subscribers. Failure to comply with the FAS order may lead to the initiation of legal proceedings for violation of antitrust laws.