Polish competition regulator UOKiK has imposed a PLN 50.635 million fine on mobile operator Polkomtel, trading under the Plus brand. The operator was fined for charging customers for video or audio streaming services on top of their internet subscriptions. This was considered a violation of net neutrality rules, as it was not explained to customers they would pay extra for accessing certain services over the connection.
An investigation into the matter was started in December 2018, following a customer complaint. The operator charged customers connected to certain internet packages additional fees for accessing video or music streaming services. The per-minute fees were not specified in the bills and only listed under calls and SMS made in the country. The misleading practice was used from 2013 to 2017 before it was discontinued by the operator.
Polkomtel must publish a statement on its website and social media with the regulator's decision. The operator can still appeal. Plus customers can apply to the company for a refund based on the UOKiK decision.
