Poste Italiane could be fined for misleading commercial practices
05 December 19
Olha Hruba
The Italian competition authority is investigating if Poste Italiane mail carriers systematically left delivery notifications at letter boxes without ringing the doorbells of recipients. Poste Italiane could face a fine of up to €5m for misleading commercial practices in relation to its customers.
BIPT decides not to approve bpost's cost accounting methodology for 2016
21 November 19
Virginie Alloo
BIPT rejected some cost allocation changes made by bpost in its 2016 cost accounting system. In particular, BIPT believes that the changes related to the allocations of extra costs for so-called "historical staff" and of mediation costs do not comply with the principles of cost distribution laid down in the applicable Belgian laws. bpost will have to adapt accordingly its cost accounting system for the following years.
UPU Congress agrees reform of terminal dues; USA to remain in UPU
07 October 19
Peter Dunn
On 25 September, the third Extraordinary Congress of the Universal Postal Union (UPU) reached unanimous agreement on reforms to the international remuneration system, in particular allowing countries to set self-declared rates. On the same day, the US director of trade policy announced that the USA would remain a member of the UPU.
Polish government adopts draft Electronic Delivery Act
02 October 19
Monika Kačeriaková
Changes to Polish law will result in the digitisation of up to 20m registered letters each year. The Electronic Delivery Act will affect correspondence sent to/from public authorities and individuals and businesses. For digitally excluded consumers, a hybrid service will be available.
BIPT ratifies bpost's prices increased for 2020 but reiterates its concerns about the current price cap formula
01 October 19
Virginie Alloo
BIPT, the Belgian regulator, ratified bpost's increased retail tariffs for 2020, stating that the increase complies with the legal principles of tariff uniformity, non-discrimination and transparency. However, BIPT continues to criticise the price cap mechanism included in the postal law, believing that the increased tariffs are not truly cost-oriented and expressing concerns about possible further price increases.
ERGP proposals to focus on promoting competition generate strong response from operators
24 September 19
Virginie Alloo
The ERGP presented its draft medium term strategy (2020-2022) and its 2020 work programme. The medium term strategy focuses on competition issues, in particular to analyse whether the principles of telecoms regulation would be suitable to promote competition in postal markets. Operators responded strongly, arguing that more regulation was not required and that the focus should be on the universal service.