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ComCom Member Presents the Results of the Comprehensive Study at the International Conference on Competition and Consumer Protection
During the International Conference on Competition and Consumer Protection, the head of the Market Regulation Department at the Communications Commission, Ekaterine Sichinava, presented the results of the comprehensive study of the telecom market carried out by ComCom together with EU experts. During the panel session “Competition Enforcement Policy in Regulated Markets – Key Trends and Challenges,” Ms. Sichinava noted that the study assessed both the fixed and the mobile services markets, and found them to be stagnant, uncompetitive and requiring ex-ante regulation. Furthermore, the study identified Magticom as an operator with significant market power both on the mobile and fixed services markets. Based on the results of the study, the Communications Commission recognised Magticom as an operator with significant market power in July of this year, and imposed specific obligations in order to create favourable conditions for consumers and improve competition on the market.
The event also included a panel session on the subject of “Fighting the Cartel on Vulnerable Markets – Main Trends and Challenges,” where the Head of Legal Support Group of the Communications Commission, Levan Maisuradze, talked about the prevention of anti-competitive cooperations in the field of electronic communications and media services, and reviewed the current Georgian legislation and practical examples in this regard. Mr. Maisuradze also highlighted the precedent of broadcasters violating the Law on Competition, which was related to the broadcasting transit rights market, and spoke about ComCom's decision in this regard.
A further panel session was held on the subject of “Protection of Consumer Rights in Regulated Markets – Main Trends and Challenges.” The Public Defender of Consumer Interests of the Communications Commission, Gvantsa Chkheidze, took part in the panel and reviewed ComCom's approaches and activities carried out with regards to protecting consumer rights.
The third International Conference on Competition and Consumer Protection has been organised by the Communications Commission, the Georgian Competition and Consumer Agency, National Bank of Georgia, the Georgian National Energy and Water Supply Regulatory Commission, and the Insurance State Supervision Service. Topics of discussion include competition law, consumer protection mechanisms, and activities carried out by regulatory agencies.
