Brussels, 14/02/2012 (Agence Europe) - On Monday 13 February, the European Commission expressed serious doubts about a new proposal from the Dutch telecoms regulator (OPTA) regarding fixed and mobile termination rates. Termination rates are the rates telecoms networks charge each other to deliver calls between networks and these costs are ultimately included in call prices paid by consumers and businesses.
In 2010, OPTA proposed to apply cost-oriented fixed and mobile termination rates, in line with the Commission's 2009 recommendation. Despite this, OPTA's decision was subsequently annulled in a national Tribunal ruling, which prescribed a different methodology that includes costs not directly related to call termination. According to the Commission, the new proposal based on this methodology would mean that fixed and mobile termination rights would be twice as high as under the EU approach. The European commissioner responsible for the digital agenda, Neelie Kroes said: “This case is important to lay down the roles of national authorities and courts in applying EU telecoms rules in a coordinated way that brings maximum benefit to consumers and to competition.” In the letter sent to OPTA, the Commission explains that the new rates in this proposal do not comply with the principles and objectives of EU telecoms rules, which require member states to promote competition and the interests of consumers in the EU, as well as the development of the single market. Over the next three months, the Commission and OPTA will examine how the latter can amend its proposal so that it complies with European legislation. (IL/transl.fl)