NEW RULES ON PROVISION OF PHONE SERVICES TO BE APPROVED ON MAY 20

Noyan Tapan

Ma y 13, 2008

YEREVAN, MAY 13, NOYAN TAPAN. The RA Public Services Regulatory
Commission will approve the new rules on provision of phone services
on May 20, the head of the commission’s telecommunication unit Gevorg
Gevorgian announced at the May 13 discussion on the communication
sector. At the same time, he said that although NGOs participated in
the discussions on these rules, they have not submitted any written
proposals.

The chairman of the Association of Consumers of Armenia Armen Poghosian
said that the current rules were developed in 1999 and are not in line
with the current situation. However, according to him, several points
of the new rules cause concern as they are not aimed at protection of
the interests of consumers. In particular, the consumer should have
the opportunity to limit the amount to be paid by him/her, that is,
if the subscriber wants to fix a sum and to disconnect the phone
after exceeding this sum, ArmnTel has to do so.

In the words of A. Poghosian, the new rules reduce the obligations
and responsibility of the supplier and increase those of the
consumer. Besides, it is not definitely stipulated what is the
responsibility of the supplier if he does not implement the given
obligation.