Fines, Tilia | The Norwegian Consumer Protection Authority has announced millions in fines – and now Telia is taking action

In mid-December, the Norwegian Consumer Protection Authority announced financial fines against Convene AS, Telenor Norge AS and Telia Norge AS. Forbrukertilsynet believes that the companies charged consumers illegally high invoice fees.

The law stipulates that the fee for obtaining the invoice cannot exceed the cost of the company's actual invoices. On this point, the Norwegian Consumer Protection Authority believes that companies have not followed the book.

Convene can expect a fine of NOK 3,000,000 per week if it does not change its practices, while Telenor and Telia have been notified that they will likely have to pay weekly fines of NOK 2,200,000 and NOK 1,300,000 respectively.

“It is clear that there are many industries and companies that need to familiarize themselves with the legislation and change their practices as quickly as possible to avoid breaking the law,” Trond Ronningen, director of the Norwegian Consumer Protection Authority, said in a press release.

The companies had until January 18 to comment on the matter.

Change practice

Nearly a month after the consumer watchdog was notified, Telia announced in a press release that it is now taking action.

“Telia has decided to reduce paper billing fees from NOK 79 to NOK 6.47 for its private market customers,” she says. Thus, Telia reduces fees by 91 percent.

– Based on our customers' feedback and after dialogue with the Norwegian Consumer Protection Authority, we have decided, after a comprehensive evaluation, to reduce the fee on paper invoices to NOK 6.47, says Pall Rune Kallen, Head of Private Market at Telia Norge.

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Furthermore, it is reported that the change applies to Telia broadband, mobile and TV customers in the private market from 1 February.

In conclusion, Kalin encourages customers to choose electronic invoicing solutions.

– It's simpler, free, and better for the environment, concludes Kalin.

Telenor: – Work with our answer

Nettavisen was in contact earlier this week with Telenor. When asked if they would change their practices after the warning from the Norwegian Consumer Safety Authority, Telenor's press director Anders Krokan responded:

-We are now working on our response to the Norwegian Consumer Protection Authority, and look forward to responding within the deadline. We will amend if the final decision is made as announced. We want to help as many customers as possible transition to digital solutions, while also offering a free billing solution for non-digital customers. We recommend customers who need assistance with this matter to contact our customer service, Crokan wrote in an email.

Nettavisen was unable to contact Convene AS.

Telecommunications company Ice Communication Norge AS chose to change its practices this fall, after the Norwegian Consumer Safety Authority opened supervisory proceedings against the company.