By its Decision No 368 of 07 July 2016, the Communications Regulation Commission (CRC) launched a public consultation procedure on a draft Decision on amendment and supplement to the Rules for carrying out electronic communications via radio equipment using radio frequency spectrum which does not need to be individually assigned.

The full text of the draft has been published on CRC’s website at the following address www.crc.bg under the section Public consultation.

On 23 June 2016 the Communications Regulation Commission (CRC) adopted its final decision on the analysis of the wholesale market for call origination on the public telephone network at a fixed location and of the wholesale market for call termination on individual public telephone networks at a fixed location in the Republic of Bulgaria in accordance with the EU regulatory framework.

The results of public consultations carried out with the stakeholders, the opinion of the Commission for Protection of Competition and the recommendations of the European Commission (EC) submitted following the notification of the two markets have been taken into account in CRC’s final decision.

The results of the analysis showed that the wholesale market for call termination on individual public telephone networks at a fixed location is susceptible to ex-ante regulation. CRC has carried out analysis and assessment of the existence of effective competition, undertakings with significant power on the relevant markets have been designated and specific obligations have been imposed. The wholesale market for call origination on the public telephone network at a fixed location is not susceptible to ex-ante regulation because it does not cover the three criteria test cumulatively.

CRC designated Bulgarian Telecommunications Company EAD, Coolbox AD^[1], Blizoo Media & Broadband EAD, Bulsatcom EAD, Varna Net OOD, Vestitel BG AD, VMobile AD, Global Communication Net AD, Gold Telecom Bulgaria AD, Escom OOD^[2], Eastern Telecommunication Company AD, Interoute Bulgaria EAD, Cable-Sat West OOD, Mobiltel EAD, NET1 OOD, Net Is Sat EOOD, Netfinity EAD, Telecom 1 OOD, Telecommunication Company Varna EAD, Telenor Bulgaria EAD and Premium Net International S.R.L. as undertakings with significant power on the relevant wholesale markets for call termination on their own public telephone networks at a fixed location and specific obligations have been imposed on them.

By the adoption of CRC’s final decision the regulatory measures shall be immediately applicable.

The final decision, the market analyses and the summary of the results from the public consultations and the consultations with Commission for Protection of Competition and EC were published on 29.06.2016 under the “Market regulation – electronic communications” section.

On 23 June 2016 the Communications Regulation Commission (CRC) adopted its final decision on the analysis of the wholesale market for voice call termination on individual mobile networks in the Republic of Bulgaria in accordance with the EU regulatory framework.

The results of the public consultations carried out with the stakeholders, the opinion of the Commission for Protection of Competition and the recommendations of the European Commission (EC) submitted following the notification of the market have been taken into account in CRC’s final decision.

The results of the analysis showed that the wholesale market for voice call termination on individual mobile networks is susceptible to ex-ante regulation. CRC has carried out analysis and assessment of the existence of effective competition, undertakings with significant power have been designated on the relevant markets and specific obligations have been imposed.

CRC designated Bulgarian Telecommunications Company EAD, Mobiltel EAD, Max Telecom OOD and Telenor Bulgaria EAD as undertakings with significant power on the relevant wholesale markets for voice call termination on their own mobile networks and specific obligations have been imposed on them.

By the adoption of CRC’s final decision the regulatory measures shall be immediately applicable.

The final decision, the market analysis and the summary of the results from the public consultations and the consultations with Commission for Protection of Competition and EC were published on 29.06.2016 under the “Market regulation – electronic communications” section.

By Decision No 361 of 28.06.2016 the Communications Regulation Commission adopted a Draft Decision   on definition, analysis and assessment of the wholesale market of high-quality access provided at a fixed location following a public consultation procedure.

Pursuant to the provisions of the Law on Electronic Communications the Draft Decision shall be sent for consideration to the European Commission, the Body of European Regulators in the field of Electronic Communications and to the National Regulatory Authorities of the EU Member States.

The Draft Decision and the results of the conducted public consultation have been published on the CRC’s website www.crc.bg, under the section Public consultations.

The draft Decision for adoption of Rules of procedure and terms for approving (coordination) of the General conditions of contracts with postal services consumers is submitted for consultation with the stakeholders and has been published on the CRC’s website under the section Public consultations.

On 17.06.2016, the Communications Regulation Commission, in cooperation with Stara Zagora municipality, held a mobile reception-room for consumers in Stara Zagora city.

The aim was Commission’s experts to fully assist consumers from Stara Zagora city and the region with consultation and solving problems related to the use of electronic communications services.

Problems with mobile phone coverage, problems of negotiated contracts, terms of promotions offered and charged high bills, problems in receiving of digital broadcasting and others have been discussed with consumers and mayors of towns in the region.

The Commission annually holds reception-rooms in locations throughout the country.

For all the issues raised and written signals submitted during the reception-room held in Stara Zagora city the necessary measures will be taken, as for any established violations, the sanctions laid down in the Law on electronic communications will be imposed.

For the purpose of maximizing transparency and public awareness, the results of the reception-room have been announced by the CRC’s Chairman Mr. Veselin Bozhkov, PhD.