The Polish competition authority, UOKiK, has issued a binding decision against T-Mobile, requiring the telecom operator to compensate consumers who experienced increased bills due to the loss of discounts after late payments.

T-Mobile had offered a 5-zloty discount for using electronic invoices and making timely payments. However, the authority found that late payments should not affect the subscription fees for subsequent bills. The mechanism for losing discounts was deemed an unlawful contractual penalty, as consumers faced double penalties: losing their discount and incurring late payment interest.

UOKiK President Tomasz Chróstny emphasized that while consumers must meet their payment obligations, they should not lose discounts or face increased fees as a result of late payments. The law allows for interest on late payments but prohibits additional penalties like discount removal.

Following the initiation of the proceedings, T-Mobile ceased the contested practice, introduced new contractual templates, and stopped considering timely payment when determining discount eligibility. The company will now offer affected consumers a choice between a refund of the contractual penalty or a voucher for T-Mobile devices.

UOKiK's decision against T-Mobile is part of a broader investigation into discount practices in the telecommunications sector, with ongoing proceedings against other companies like Play, CANAL+, Orange, Vectra, and Multimedia Polska.