Tuesday, May 27, 2008

Telekom Austria - opposing further regulation of roaming charges

http://www.reuters.com/article/rbssTechMediaTelecomNews/idUSL2636404920080526?sp=true">Telekom Austria criticises EU roaming caps

European Union price caps aimed at cutting the cost of using a mobile phone outside a user's home country have not encouraged greater use, Telekom Austria Chief Executive Boris Nemsic said on Monday.

"Our customers did not roam more, even though prices have come down," Nemsic told reporters. Most "roaming" usage still comes from business customers who are not price sensitive, he added.

EU Telecoms Commissioner Viviane Reding pushed through the caps on such call charges, saying prices charged to consumers were outrageous.

The European Parliament and EU states will have to decide if the caps should be extended beyond 2010.

"There is no need for extension for this regulation. After 2010, retail price increases are simply not possible. There is no example in our industry where prices went up," Nemsic said.

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