Consumer Rights Protection Center Initiates Case Against Bite Latvija 0 255

The institution notes that at the end of November, consumers began to express widespread concern about the commercial practice of "Bite Latvija," which automatically connected clients to an additional service package unrelated to electronic communications — "Bite pamatkomplekts." The Consumer Rights Protection Center (CRPC) continues to receive a significant number of complaints and requests for consultations.

The Center has initiated an administrative case against "Bite Latvija" and is actively engaging with the service provider, both by requesting written explanations and evaluating them, as well as meeting with company representatives.

The CRPC reminds that the Electronic Communications Law allows a provider to increase the monthly fee for internet, phone, or other electronic services. However, it is not permitted to connect additional services unrelated to electronic communications without the active consent of the client.

The CRPC urges consumers who disagree with the offer but wish to continue contractual relations to contact "Bite Latvija" in writing, expressing their objections and demanding the fulfillment of the contract under the previous terms. In the case of a new offer, the CRPC recommends carefully assessing whether it aligns with the client's interests.

The center also calls for monitoring current information on the CRPC website and social media at the beginning of next week. Currently, during negotiations, an agreement has been reached that "Bite Latvija" will provide a final response to the CRPC at the beginning of next week. After receiving it, the CRPC will inform consumers about the further actions of the institution.

As previously reported, in November, the CRPC began assessing information about the actions of "Bite Latvija," which automatically connected additional services without consumers' consent.

The communications and employer branding representative of "Bite Latvija," Una Ahuna-Ozola, stated in November that the company had not yet received an official request from the CRPC to clarify the essence of "Bite pamatkomplekts." According to her, the public statements of the CRPC are merely preliminary opinions, which "Bite Latvija" does not agree with.

She indicated that "Bite pamatkomplekts," which "Bite Latvija" is implementing from January 1, 2026, represents a package of administrative and service functions that combines a number of features for customer convenience, eliminating multiple separate payments and providing a predictable price — €1.98 per month. The package includes services such as blocking fraudulent calls, SIM card replacement, contract re-registration, calls to the customer center and technical support, changing the address for optical internet, temporary suspension of service, and others that previously could cost up to €25.

Last year, "Bite Latvija" reported a turnover of €183.75 million, which is 12.5% more than in 2023, while the company's profit increased by 1% to €33.712 million.

The company was registered in 2005, with a share capital of €44 million. The sole owner of "Bite Latvija" is the Lithuanian "Bite group," which belongs to the global investment company "Providence Equity Partners."