Russian antitrust watchdog opens administrative cases over access to PIK homes

The regulator announced forthcoming penalties for restrictions on internet providers' access to apartment buildings. Its statement did not specify the final amounts.

Russia's Federal Antimonopoly Service said on October 12 that management-company officials face fines of 20,000 to 50,000 rubles or disqualification for up to three years. Lovitel, which operates under the Lovit brand, faces a fine of 1 to 15% of revenue in the internet-access market.

The regulator had previously ordered access for competing operators to PIK buildings. Lovitel subsequently published rules for using its cable ducts, offering nondiscriminatory network-placement terms for an economically justified fee.

Management companies considered 330 requests to install networks. Providers nevertheless reported new obstacles to accessing buildings' cable entry points imposed by people outside the PIK group. The service is investigating those restrictions.

PIK previously rejected accusations that it limited competition, saying at least 20 internet providers operated in its residential developments. The developer's position does not resolve the newly announced administrative proceedings.