Regulator imposes HUF30m in fines for ‘irregular’ contracts

Telecoms watchdog the National Communications Authority of Hungary (NCAH) has imposed fines totalling HUF30 million (USD205,100) on 21 fixed line operators in the country for signing ‘irregular’ contracts with individual subscribers. Realdeal.hu reports that the regulator’s findings concern contracts concluded in the period 2006/07. The NCAH found that of the 100 or so companies checked, only three followed the regulatory guidelines to the letter. The single largest fine, HUF12 million, was levied on Magyar Telekom, with fines of HUF5.5 million, HUF5 million, HUF3.5 million and HUF1.5 million imposed on Invitel, GTS Datanet, Fibernet and Digi, respectively. In a follow-up check on 40 service providers, the NCAH found that while most had generally tried to clean up their acts, problems were still apparent at 21 companies. The three firms praised for following the regulations assiduously were JUROP Telekom Telekommunikacios Egyeni Ceg, PR-TELECOM and IP-Park. The watchdog is currently conducting similar checks at the country’s ISP, broadcast and mobile providers.