Orange Polska has failed to have a fine of PLN30 million (€7 million) imposed on it overturned.
In a statement, the Polish Office of Competition and Consumer Protection (UOKiK) says that it initiated proceedings following complaints filed by the consumer ombudsman and people using Orange Polska’s services.
The telco’s practices involved the automatic prolongation of contracts concluded for a fixed period in the event of lack of action on the part of the consumer.
The extensions were for six months for Neostrada and either 12 or 24 months for other fixed services.
Consumers who terminated before the new expiry dates were subject to heavy fines.
Although Orange Polska changed the practice in May 2014 consumers continued to face difficulties.
In addition to fining the company PLN30 million, UOKiK obliged it to compensate customers.
UOKiK concludes by saying that Orange Polska’s appeal was dismissed in January this year.
