UKE considers ‘trade-off’ with TPSA in fines dispute

According to Thomson Financial, Poland’s telecoms regulator UKE has said it is prepared to discuss a reduction in fines with TPSA, in return for unspecified investments in sector infrastructure. In an interview with the PAP news agency, UKE chair Anna Strezynska laid out broad conditions under which she could consider reducing a PLN100 million fine on the company to ‘a minimum’. ‘In cases where the breach (of regulations) has been resolved, under the condition that funds are given for investments defined by UKE … we can consider a reduction in the fine,’ PAP quoted her as saying. The PLN100 million fine is the second-largest element of more than PLN500 million in charges which TPSA is fighting as part of a battle with the regulator. A local newspaper reported over the weekend that the regulator could give concessions as part of a scheme to convince the company to roll out broadband internet access to rural areas.