Checking the end date of subscription contracts via SMS becomes increasingly difficult – Telia also reduces access to the service

As from the beginning of this year, consumers have been able to check the duration of their fixed-term mobile subscription contracts by sending the message ‘SOPIMUS’ (or ‘ABONNEMANG’ in Swedish) to the number 18321. The service will immediately send a response with the end date of the fixed-term contract in question. Alternatively, the response message will inform the consumer if he or she has a rolling contract that is valid for an indefinite period. Consumers can use the service, for example, if they receive an offer from another telecommunications operator and consider changing service providers. 

DNA implemented its service in a manner that Traficom did not consider to meet the requirements laid down by law. Traficom issued a binding decision on the matter and enforced the decision with a notice of a conditional fine. DNA took the matter to the Administrative Court, but the court rejected DNA's appeal. DNA has applied for a leave to appeal to the Supreme Administrative Court. The application is currently being considered by the Court.  

Telia changes is service for checking contract duration – new model in violation of the law

Telia has now also decided to change its service for checking the duration of subscription contracts. Its SMS service no longer provides details about whether a customer has a fixed-term contract. In the new model, customers are primarily adviced to check their contract details online in the account management portal Minun Telia. Customers may also use Telia’s other sales and customer service channels. Telia has justified the change by the fact that telecommunications operators have not been able to find a common technical solution for implementing the service, which has lead to the distortion of competition with respect to number portability.

“The purpose of the service for checking contract details is to promote competition by giving all consumers an easy and quick way to check the duration of their current fixed-term contracts free of charge. It is unfortunate that Telia has also decided to undermine customers’ right to check the end dates of their subscription contracts,” says Deputy Director-General Jenni Eskola. 

Traficom supervises that telecommunications operators provide the service as required by the law. 

What next? 

Traficom will initiate a procedure to issue a supervision decision also to Telia, because Traficom considers Telia’s action to violate the relevant legal and regulatory provisions.