Mobile operators will no longer be able to suddenly increase tariffs

Tengrinews.kz — Starting August 20, Kazakhstan will implement new rules regarding how mobile subscribers are notified of price increases. Operators will be required to inform customers of any planned tariff hikes at least two months in advance.

60-day notice for tariff increases

If a mobile operator plans to adjust its tariff rates, it must notify the subscriber at least 60 calendar days before the scheduled increase. These requirements are established by recent amendments to the country's communications legislation.

Notifications must be sent via SMS to the subscriber's number. Additionally, operators are required to post information about the upcoming changes on their official websites.

Consequently, subscribers will be informed of impending price hikes well in advance, giving them two months to review the new terms.

Previous regulations

The new requirement specifically addresses the notification period. The operators' fundamental right to revise tariff pricing remains unchanged.

While mobile operators can still adjust service costs, they are now mandated to provide customers with at least 60 days' notice.

Previously, the advance notice period was 30 calendar days. It has now been doubled.

Other upcoming changes

The changes are outlined in the law dated June 19, 2024, regarding the development of the telecommunications market and data centers. The majority of the new regulations take effect on August 20.

In addition to the new tariff notification rules, other changes in the mobile sector take effect on that date. Verification requirements for smartphones are being tightened—retailers must now inspect devices before sale—and mobile service contracts will require biometric authentication of the subscriber.

Operators will also be required to provide 24/7 zero-rated (free) access to mobile applications of social and governmental importance. The list of such applications will be determined by the regulatory authority.

The issue of mobile service costs was previously raised in Parliament. In May, Mazhilis Deputy Nartai Sarsengaliyev stated that since 2022, some operators have increased tariffs by 3% to 300%, while others have seen hikes of 14% to 75%.