27/11/2008 (Agence Europe) - On Thursday 27 November, the European Commission expressed support for the proposal from the French regulator, Arcep (Autorité de réguylation des communications électroniques et des postes), to bring down certain costs that telephone operators invoice between themselves. Arcep had announced in October that it planned to reduce mobile call terminals. When a person is called on his/her mobile phone, these costs are invoiced by the operator to the operator of the person calling. They are supposed to cover the cost of carrying the communication. Arcep had evoked a two-speed reduction. On 1 July 2009, the tariff would fall from 6.5 to 4.5 eurocents per minute for Orange (France Télécom) and SFR, and from 8.5 to 6 eurocents for Bouygues Telecom. Then, on 1 July 2010, the tariff would fall to 3 and 4 eurocents respectively. The Commission validated this approach in a letter sent to Arcep. The Commission's opinion is needed before Arcep can take a final decision, due by Christmas. (L.C./transl.jl)