Freedom of Expression: Telia’s Kcell had to restrict the rendering of mobile Internet services in Aktobe city/region in Kazakhstan

STOCKHOLM, 04-Jul-2016 — /EuropaWire/ — According to Telia Company’s Group Policy on Freedom of Expression in Telecommunications we will, whenever and as soon as possible, report on our efforts in relation to requests or demands with potentially serious impacts on freedom of expression in telecommunications.

Telia Company’s Group Policy on Freedom of Expression in Telecommunications is available here. Government’s requests or demands often serve legitimate purposes such as the protection of certain human rights, but they may also be problematic in that they could conflict with other human rights. Telia Company’s commitment is to respect freedom of expression.

In Kazakhstan, at the beginning of June, Kcell had to restrict the rendering of mobile Internet services in Aktobe city, and from June 5th to June 6th 3G mobile Internet services in the Aktobe region. All these services were after a couple of days again made available for Kcell subscribers in their entirety.

During the shut-down, Kcell’s call center, in response to incoming calls, informed their customers as follows: “Kcell has restricted rendering of mobile internet services in Aktobe city since June 5 due to the order from the state authority. In addition, 3G mobile Internet services have been also restricted in the Aktobe region since June 5″.

The Policy of Telia Company is not to engage in the politics of the countries in which we operate. We do not comment on politics or make political statements when representing our company. However, Telia Company does engage in dialogue regarding requests from authorities that affect our business and customers of companies in which we have ownership interests.

Telia Company, as one of the ten principles in our Group Policy, has publicly committed to comply with requests or demands relating to the surveillance of communications only to the extent required by law, including formal requirements. Telia Company will continue to promote this view, also when in dialogue with Governments and authorities as to major service limitations.

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