ISPs threaten to forcibly shut down the Internet: what caused the conflict

The Internet Association of Ukraine (IAU), which represents the interests of small and medium-sized providers, made a loud statement about the possibility of forced shutdown of the Internet throughout the country. The reason for such a radical step was dissatisfaction with the conditions in the telecommunications market, where, according to the representatives of INSAU, preference is given to big players. About it on your Facebook page reported Oleksandr Harutyunyan, member of the board of INSAU.
In his statement, Harutyunyan emphasized that tenders for the provision of telecommunication services are constantly won by large providers, who often use the infrastructure of small and medium-sized enterprises, while not providing fair conditions for cooperation. It was particularly infuriating that some of these large companies were given the right to book 100% of their employees against mobilization, which creates additional advantages in the market.
“If the authorities do not listen to us and do not stop discriminatory actions against small and medium-sized businesses in the telecommunications industry, we will be forced to resort to extreme measures – to turn off the Internet in key state institutions.”, said Harutyunyan.
InAU emphasized that it is small and medium-sized providers that account for a large part of fixed Internet users in Ukraine. Shutting down the Internet can become a large-scale protest tool that will be used in different parts of the country. According to Harutyunyan, the initial scenario includes temporary shutdowns of the Internet for 10 minutes at 10:00 and 20:00, however, if the demands are not heard, these measures may be strengthened.