Ukrainian president signs law on electronic communications watchdog

The document provides for the establishment of the National Commission for State Regulation in the Spheres of Electronic Communications, Radio Frequency Spectrum and the Provision of Postal Services.

"The law lays the foundation for the proper functioning from 2022 of the Law of Ukraine 'On Electronic Communications,' the fulfillment of obligations under the Association Agreement in this area and integration into the EU Digital Single Market," the statement said.

The new watchdog will ensure the out-of-court settlement of disputes between consumers and operators/providers, disputes over access to infrastructure, as well as the state supervision of their activities. In particular, it will be able to apply administrative and economic sanctions.

In addition, the commission will impose regulatory obligations on providers of electronic communications services with significant market influence, identify settlements without fixed Internet access, mobile communications and monitor the situation with the provision of such services.

The Ukrainian government earlier adopted a resolution stipulating that the Ministry of Finance will be responsible for Ukraine's electronic communications from July 1, 2022.

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