SOFIA, Bulgaria – January 7, 2025: Vivacom subscribers are facing imminent price increases across a range of services, effective February 8, 2025.
The telecommunications giant informed customers via SMS that monthly subscription fees for mobile and internet services will rise by 2 leva, VAT included.
Fixed voice and TV services will see a 1 leva increase, while mobile voice, mobile internet, fixed internet, and 5G Home Net services will also experience a 2 leva hike.
In the same message, Vivacom reminded customers of their right to terminate contracts affected by the changes without incurring penalties, provided they act by February 7, 2025. However, any discounts on purchased devices would need to be reimbursed if the contract is canceled.
Consumer Advocates Sound the Alarm
The announcement has sparked criticism from consumer rights groups, including the watchdog project “We, the Consumers.”
The group accused operators of exploiting vague contract terms to justify price hikes under the guise of service improvements, such as enhanced data or internet speed.
They urged consumers to understand their legal rights, including potential claims for reimbursement of device price differences if contracts are terminated prematurely.
These grievances echo sentiments expressed earlier in the year, when another telecom operator, Yettel, implemented similar price increases of 2–3 leva.
That move prompted significant backlash, investigations by state authorities, and heightened scrutiny of the industry’s practices.
Regulators Voice Concerns
Maria Filipova, Chair of the Consumer Protection Commission (CPC), described the synchronized price hikes by telecom operators as “alarming” and “detrimental” to Bulgarian citizens.
She expressed concern that these increases disregard the financial challenges faced by many households.
Filipova called on legislators to introduce stricter legal measures to prevent unilateral contract modifications without compelling economic justification.
She emphasized the CPC’s readiness to work with the Communications Regulatory Commission (CRC) to evaluate the price hikes’ effects on retail markets. If deemed necessary, the CRC could impose temporary price controls to safeguard consumers.
“Communication services are essential for citizens, and it is unacceptable for operators to act without accountability, especially during such challenging economic times,” Filipova said.
A Trend in Price Adjustments
The controversy surrounding price increases in Bulgaria’s telecom sector began in December 2024 when Yettel announced its new pricing structure, triggering regulatory investigations.
Vivacom’s recent adjustment has further fueled the debate, with critics highlighting a troubling pattern of simultaneous actions among major providers.
While Vivacom and Yettel are under fire, A1, another major operator, last indexed its prices in February 2024.
Some analysts suggest that the lack of significant competition among the country’s leading telecom firms contributes to such coordinated price adjustments, leaving consumers with limited options.
What’s Next for Consumers?
The CPC and CRC are expected to release findings from their investigations in the coming months. Filipova reaffirmed her commitment to exposing harmful or deceptive practices and ensuring operators uphold consumer rights.
Meanwhile, Vivacom customers must decide whether to accept the higher costs or terminate their contracts before the February 7 deadline. Consumer advocates advise exploring alternative providers or negotiating with operators to secure better terms.
As the regulatory landscape evolves, the battle over telecom pricing highlights the growing tension between consumer interests and corporate strategies in Bulgaria’s communications sector.