Romanian Operators Investigated for Anticompetitive Behaviour

­Romania's Competition Council has launched two investigations into the mobile phone market covering the sale of prepay services. The CC said that an investigation was triggered following a complaint and will be investigating a possible agreement between Orange Romania and its distributors not to sell to selected companies.

The second investigation covers allegations of anti-competitive practices in setting resale prices and commercial agreements with distributors in the market. All three main mobile networks are subject to the second investigation.

The operators face a potential fine of up to 10% of their revenues if found guilty.

"This type of collusions represents a deviation from the fair competition principle, resulting in price increase and minimizing consumers' possibility of choice. If these antitrust practices will be confirmed, Competition Council will be liable for fines up to 10% of their annual turnover", said Bogdan Chiritoiu, chairman of the Competition Council.

Posted to the site on 25th November 2009