UOKiK launches proceeding against Orange, Play, T-Mobile and Polkomtel

The Consumer Protection Authority (UOKiK) has launched proceedings against the four largest Polish mobile network operators - Orange Polska, Play, Polkomtel and T-Mobile Polska, the watchdog said on Monday. UOKiK will determine whether telecom providers broke the law by preventing customers from using unused funds purchased on phone cards. The authority will challenge the companies’ practice of not returning unused funds to consumers when their prepaid cards have expired, a statement said. "Money from unused credit is not being returned to customers’ wallets. This practice may make it difficult for consumers to change their telecom services provider. Customers may forego a better offer if they are concerned about forfeiting the unused funds," commented UOKiK President Marek Niechciał. Proceedings may conclude with a decision forbidding the use of a practice determined to infringe consumer rights and a fine of up to 10 percent of a company’s revenue in the year preceding the infringement. UOKiK may also impose a course of action for the company to follow to undo the lasting effects of the illegal practice.