OREANDA-NEWS.  June 29, 2012. The Presidium of the Supreme Arbitration Court of the Russian Federation supported the position of the Office of the Federal Antimonopoly Service in the Republic of Tatarstan (Tatarstan OFAS Russia) that “TVT” Television and Radio Company” OJSC had unlawfully forced customers to pay for prolonging telephone service contracts, reported the press-centre of FAS Russia.

In 2009, Tatarstan OFAS Russia found that “TVT” Television and Radio Company” OJSC violated Part 1 Article 10 of the Federal Law “On Protection of Competition”.

The case was initiated upon a petition of “I Service” Ltd. The company reported that it asked “TVT” Television and Radio Company” OJSC to prolong a contract for providing telephone services. However, “TVT” Television and Radio Company” OJSC refused to do it free-of-charge and demanded the company to pay 1,200 Rubles. The Commission of Tatarstan OFAS Russia established that was not a single incident: economic entities, individual entrepreneurs and members of general public were forced to pay for prolonging contracts.

The antimonopoly body fined “TVT” Television and Radio Company” OJSC over 3.8 million Rubles.

“TVT” Television and Radio Company” OJSC fined a lawsuit challenging the decision and determination of Tatarstan OFAS Russia.

Litigation lasted over than two years. Supreme Arbitration Court confirmed legitimacy of the conclusions made by Tatarstan OFAS Russia.

“The findings of the Presidium of the Supreme Arbitration Court on the case against “TVT” Television and Radio Company” OJSC are important for us because it is not only aimed at protecting the interests of general public and economic entities but it also supports OFAS on the procedures for calculating the fine”, pointed out Deputy Head of Tatarstan OFAS Russia, Ivan Scherbakov.