PM: Government won't afford monopoly of Russia in 3G market

The licenses for 3G communication must be sold exceptionally through an open and transparent competition with the participation of European companies, said at a Government meeting on Friday, September 5, the Prime Minister of Ukraine Arseniy Yatsenyuk.

Arseniy Yatsenyuk emphasized that introduction of 3G technologies is much needed for Ukraine: "We should develop our telecommunications market and finally promote companies at the market, those capable to obtain a license for fast Internet services, and thus to provide new quality services in Ukraine".

He stressed that there had been formed a monopoly in the mobile communications market, "where Russia controls the entire mobile communications area of Ukraine”: “I want to clarify the position of the Government on this issue - we will not allow monopoly in the 3G market. My position as Prime Minister is clear - this time Russia won’t receive an exclusive right over all licenses for telecommunications in Ukraine".

The PM accentuated that the licenses for 3G communication must be sold "solely on a public and transparent principle, instead of selling under the table". He stressed that it is important to ensure competition with setting a minimum price, which must be justified: "The price is not UAH 200 million, but billions".

"We want to see European companies as participants of such public tender. And to demonopolize this market I even agree to consider selling one of the licenses for UAH 1, with the only purpose to prevent the Russian monopoly and to guarantee coming of truly European companies in here, that will ensure competition. It is necessary to make the service better and the price cheaper," said Arseniy Yatsenyuk.

"We hope that relevant national regulators, protecting the interests of Ukraine, will implement this decision of the Government," added the Prime Minister.