Agenda Profile: Vadim Belobrovtsev
An inquiry regarding internet services offered to people in Estonia (no. 646)
2024-10-07
15th Estonian Parliament, 4th session, plenary session
Political Position
The most crucial issue is the excessively high cost and slow speed of Estonian internet services, placing the country second-to-last when compared to the European Union. The political stance is sharply critical of the market's oligopolistic structure and the state's long-standing inaction, urgently calling on the government to take concrete steps to protect consumers. The focus is on improving state activities and service quality in order to restore Estonia's reputation in the ICT sector.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates a strong understanding of ICT sector pricing and speeds, utilizing specific comparative data (Mbps, euros) across the Baltic States and the European Union. This expertise is grounded in studies conducted by the European Commission, the audit findings of the National Audit Office, and analyses from the press, indicating detailed knowledge of market issues.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is critical and pressing, emphasizing the injustice of Estonian people paying exorbitant prices for extremely slow internet speeds. The rhetoric relies heavily on logical arguments and statistical comparisons, while simultaneously employing emotional reminders of Estonia’s former role as an IT leader ("the Baltic Tiger"). Sharp language is used to characterize the excuses offered by the authorities ("a very pathetic excuse").
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The pattern of activity includes submitting an interpellation to the Riigikogu, which demonstrates sustained interest in the issue, even after a change of minister. Mention is also made of participation in the Economic Affairs Committee session with representatives of communication operators, indicating active work at the committee level.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
Criticism is primarily aimed at telecom operators (Telia, Elisa) for their massive profits and inaction, which ultimately harms end consumers. State agencies (the Competition Authority, TTJA) are being criticized for procedural failure, having refused to intervene on the grounds that "the market dictates the terms."
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The style of cooperation is demanding yet respectful towards the Minister, expressing hope that the Ministry’s enthusiasm will not fade and that concrete steps will be taken. The specific form of cooperation proposed is to convene the heads of major operating companies to find a joint solution for improving the situation of consumers.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on Estonian national consumer protection and improving the reputation of ICT in an international context. Significant emphasis is placed on comparing Estonia with the Baltic states (Latvia, Lithuania) and Finland to demonstrate Estonia's shortcomings in terms of both price and speed.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic views emphasize the necessity of state intervention to correct the market, specifically to protect consumers from the large profits and oligopolistic pricing practices of telecommunications operators. Regulation is supported that would guarantee the affordability and quality of essential services, contrasting with the market-centric focus of the Competition Authority.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
No data available.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The primary focus is on exerting political pressure through an interpellation to compel the ministry and relevant agencies to adopt specific legislative or regulatory measures. The objective is to make internet services both cheaper and higher quality for the end consumer, citing the necessity of improving the state's performance in the deployment of high-speed internet.
3 Speeches Analyzed