The Uzbek unit of Russia’s Mobile TeleSystems (MTS), Uzdunrobita, plans to appeal a local commercial court decision to revoke all of its operating licences.
The Tashkent Commercial Court’s 13 August decision to grant regulator the State Agency for…
The Uzbek unit of Russia’s Mobile TeleSystems (MTS), Uzdunrobita, plans to appeal a local commercial court decision to revoke all of its operating licences.
The Tashkent Commercial Court’s 13 August decision to grant regulator the State Agency for Communications and Information of Uzbekistan’s (SACI’s) petition to have the licences revoked follows an earlier temporary suspension.
Uzbek authorities have accused Uzdunrobita of tax evasion, breaking licensing laws and other infringements.
MTS said the Uzbek unit also plans to contest a tax authority claim for more than US$900m in unpaid taxes based on recent company audits.
The mobile operator reiterated that Uzdunrobita has always complied with local laws, saying this has been confirmed by numerous earlier audits carried out by SACI and other regulatory bodies. MTS contends the additional later audits were illegal.
“Simultaneous audits of Uzdunrobita’s operations were conducted from June through August 2012 in violation of the laws of Uzbekistan and international norms,” the company alleged.
In addition, Uzdunrobita has filed a claim with the State Antimonopoly Committee of Uzbekistan challenging claims it has infringed upon antimonopoly, consumer protection and advertising laws.
Uzdunrobita’s approximate 9 million subscribers (40% of the Uzbek mobile market) have been left without service.
