Independent operators seek exemption from telecom license fee payment

A group of deputies from various parties will today submit a proposal to the Sejm on exempting independent telecom operators from paying a license fee, if instead they fulfill certain investment obligations. Talks on the issue are currently being held between a special team appointed by the Telecommunications Ministry and the independent operators. The bill is likely to be approved by the Sejm, since it has been signed by representatives of all the major parties. Deputy Telecommunications Minister Piotr Wozny has promised that the proposal will be considered by the Cabinet Economic Committee (KERM). The independent operators have protested against paying a license fee, since TPSA does not. They also calculate that the Treasury stands to benefit financially from their investment. Over the next 15 years, they say, improved telecoms services would generate euro 1.33 billion for the Treasury, rather than the euro 400 million it would receive in the form of license fees. (Puls Biznesu, p. 11) M.T.