Press Release: Commission again requests the German telecoms regulator to lower mobile call rates

On 7 April 2014, the European Commission requested the German telecoms regulator (BNetzA) to amend or withdraw its plans which would result in mobile termination rates (MTRs) paid to sipgate Wireless, a new operator on the German market, more than 80% higher than in most other Member States. The Recommendation issued by the Commission was consistent with an earlier investigation into German mobile termination rates, in which the Commission already criticised BNetzA's regulatory approach for the entire mobile sector.

Termination rates are the rates telecoms networks charge each other to deliver calls between networks, and each operator has market power over access to customers on its own network. These costs are ultimately included in call prices paid by consumers and businesses.

ESO: Background information: Digital Agenda - Commission asks German telecoms regulator to lower mobile call rates http://www.europeansources.info/record/press-release-digital-agenda-commission-asks-german-telecoms-regulator-to-lower-mobile-call-rates/

ESO: Background information: Digital Agenda: Commission insists German operators should not be allowed special treatment on mobile rates http://www.europeansources.info/record/press-release-digital-agenda-commission-insists-german-operators-should-not-be-allowed-special-treatment-on-mobile-rates/

ESO: Background information: Telecoms: Commission acts on termination rates to boost competition http://www.europeansources.info/record/press-release-telecoms-commission-acts-on-termination-rates-to-boost-competition/

Body for European Regulators for Electronic Communications [Official Website] http://berec.europa.eu/

European Commission: Digital Agenda for Europe: Telecoms & the Internet: Telecoms: Telecoms' Rules: Implementation: Consultation procedures https://ec.europa.eu/digital-agenda/en/consultation-procedures

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