VietNamNet Bridge – Hanoi Telecom recently complained that Viettel and VNPT cut its connection channels, causing difficulties for its business operations.  

The company has sent a document to the Ministry of Information and Communications to seek a solution.

According to their complaint, the two telecom giants cut several connection channels without getting agreement from Hanoi Telecom, resulting in economic difficulties.

On December 10, 2012, VNPT reduced connection capacity for Hanoi Telecom to 22E1 from the 53E1 mentioned in their contract, without notice.

Hanoi Telecom said that its connection agreement was signed based on an agreement under which, VNPT only has the right to cut Hanoi Telecom's connection capacity if the debts are 90 days overdue.

After being informed of the connection channel cut from VNPT, Hanoi Telecom paid off the debts.

After that Hanoi Telecom made several proposals to VNPT to renew their agreed VoIP connection capacity but have received no replies.

Hanoi Telecom said that VNPT's moves have proven its violation of their agreement, seriously impacting their businesses, as well as interests of its partners and clients.

"After over a month facing connection capacity cut, Hanoi Telecom has recorded a 50% fall in its inbound international capacity, causing considerable economic damages and affecting interests of Vietnamese consumers," said Trinh Minh Chau, General Director of Hanoi Telecom.

VNPT has also blocked Hanoi Telecom's 1900 services from January 15 in order to force it to sign amended agreement on VoIP connection.

In the same document sent to the ministry, Hanoi Telecom complained that Viettel unilaterally reduced VoIP connection capacity of Hanoi Telecom without getting approval from Hanoi Telecom. Viettel decided on their own to apply a capacity quota for small clients.

"In recent recent time, Vietnam's telecom market has gradually moved from a monopoly based market to one of competition. However, currently small telecom firms are still dominated by major partners, who often create technical and commercial barriers to impede operations of small firms. This is unhealthy competition. Recently, VNPT and Viettel openly cooperated to set quotas for VoIP international connection capacity, obviously violating the competition law and fostering monopoly in the market," Chau added.

To date, both Viettel and VNPT have yet to make any official response.       

Source: DTriNews