OREANDA-NEWS. August 30, 2011. The Office of the Federal Antimonopoly Service in the Ulyanovsk Region (Ulyanovsk OFAS Russia) fined “Rostelecom” OJSC over 8.5 million Rubles on the grounds that “VolgaTelecom” OJSC charged a fee for providing information about telephone numbers of subscribers of the local telephone communications network, reported the press-centre of FAS Russia.

Ulyanovsk OFAS Russia initiated a case “VolgaTelecom” OJSC based on media publications and petitions from physical persons regarding legitimacy of charging a fee for informational and reference services (9 Rubles per reference).

The Commission of Ulyanovsk OFAS Russia found that “Rostelecom” OJSC violated Clause 10 Part 1 Article 10 of the Federal Law “On Protection of Competition” and issued a determination to provide information and reference services free-of-charge. As “VolgaTelecom” OJSC is connected to “Rostelecom” OJSC, administrative sanctions are imposed upon “Rostelecom” OJSC.

“Rostelecom” OJSC attempted to challenge OFAS definition to carry out proceedings against the company at a Court of Law. However, on 23rd August Ulyanovsk Regional Arbitration Court dismissed the company’s claim. I believe that administrative sanction will not only deter the monopolist from further infringing subscribers’ rights but also serve as warning for other economic entities that have dominant position”, pointed out the Head of Ulyanovsk OFAS Russia, Mr. Gennady Spirichagov.