The Spanish telecoms regulator has softened its proposed cuts on termination rates after operators’ complaints. The CMT had wanted to halve the rates charged by operators when rival operators’ calls finish on their networks. Its proposals would have seen all operators charging EUR 0.06 by 2008 after a progressive series of reductions. At a meeting on 28 September, however, the CMT decided to cut rates between 41 and 47 percent over a period of two, rather than three, years. The new measures start from October and will oblige Telefonica Moviles (Movistar) to cut interconnection prices by 41.52 percent, Vodafone by 42.66 percent and Amena-Orange by 46.76 percent. By September 2009, all three operators will have to charge the same rate of EUR 0.07. The CMT is hoping the termination rate cuts will be passed on to final consumer prices. The Federation of Consumers in Action (FACUA) criticised the CMT’s compromise with operators, saying the final cuts were insufficient. The rates “will continue to exceed the limits set by Brussels to a disproportionate extent”, it said.
Source- http://www.telecompaper.com
