Regional providers do not endorse letter to communication ministry

The situation at the Belarusian internet market has deteriorated due to the crisis and the devaluation of the national currency. Minsk-based private internet service providers have sent a letter to the Ministry of Communication with several proposals on how to improve the situation. But, regional ISPs do not rush to join them.
In the view of a worker with the Brest-based CityLine, these letters cannot change the situation:

 “Of course we don't agree with anything, but we did not sign the letter. The business is difficult. But if someone does not like it, let them switch to the wholesale trade sector. ISPs in Minsk are in a better position, because they are taxed less”.

The profit of private ISPs has dropped nearly 60 percent, while the profit of Beltelecom has increased. Private providers reckon that the main problem is the monopoly position of the state-owned operator and the policy of the Ministry of Communication in the field of internet-based services.