The mobile operator "Bite Latvija" has "delighted" its customers with an unexpected "Christmas gift" — starting January 1, 2026, a new mandatory security and support package "Bite Pamatkomplekts" will be automatically connected to all individual customers. Its cost is 1.98 euros per month. Customers are, to put it mildly, unhappy with this innovation.
In a letter that "Bite Latvija" is sending to subscribers, it states: "If you do not agree with the changes, you have the right to terminate the service agreement(s) with Bite without penalties until 31.12.2025."
People are outraged: how can a mandatory service be imposed and nearly two euros simply added to the bill? The topic has sparked a heated reaction on social media. Comments have been made by both representatives of "Bite Latvija" and the Consumer Rights Protection Centre (PTAC).
User @Tom_Niem writes on platform X: "Am I correct in understanding that @Bitelv will add almost 2 euros to everyone’s bill starting next year? And it will be impossible to refuse this service?"
The CEO of "Bite Latvija", Mindaugas Rakauskas, explains: "Technologies alone cannot stop the psychological manipulations of cybercriminals. Therefore, we are introducing a new service standard that will provide broader protection for customers against the risks of cyber fraud."
Starting January 1, the company will automatically provide all customers with protection against cyber fraud — insurance coverage of up to 1000 euros per year. The insurance is part of the "Bite Pamatkomplekts".
Customers acknowledge: the idea is useful, but the mandatory nature of the payment raises many questions.
On social media, people are saying:
"This is a scam and money extraction."
"Such a service should be optional."
"The main thing is to come up with a convincing justification, and here about 800 thousand euros a month just fall into Bite's account."
Some declare that they plan to terminate their contract with the operator:
"I received the same message. Yes, it was very surprising. I am planning to refuse Bite's services this weekend. And not only because of this — everything is generally bad there..."
The Consumer Rights Protection Centre announced that it has begun to assess the practices of "Bite Latvija" regarding changes to contract terms and the mandatory introduction of a paid service package.
According to Bite, the insurance includes coverage of up to 1000 euros in case of online fraud.
Protection applies if the customer becomes a victim of fraudsters, for example:
entered card details on a fake "track your package" page;
purchased goods from a fake online store that disappeared after payment.
To receive compensation, the customer must first contact the police and then the insurer.
