Telecoms operators worried by lack of decision on fees

Poland's three largest independent telecoms operators are facing an uncertain future, as a result of the failure by former deputy Economy Minister Piotr Niemczyk to reach a decision on postponing the payment of their license fees. "We did not receive the results of an examination carried out with the operators who asked for the extension, and without all the required documents I was unable to make the decision," Niemczyk explained. The three operators, Telefonia Lokalna, Netia and El-Net, are concerned about the lack of any decision, since an immediate demand to pay the fees would worsen their already difficult financial situation. Responsibility for the telecommunications sector has been handed to the new Infrastructure Ministry, but the identity of the official in charge is still not known. The operators hope the Ministry will support the plan for them to invest in network development rather than pay their remaining license dues. (Puls Biznesu, p. 9) A.Z.