NCRC sets new interconnect tariffs

The National Communications Regulatory Commission (NCRC) of Ukraine set new interconnection charges between fixed and mobile telecom monopoly operators. The fixed-to-mobile charge was set at UAH 0.45 per minute (and UAH 0.40 since January 1, 2010), while earlier it was UAH 0.50/min by mutual agreement of Ukrtelecom (UTLM) and major mobile operators. The mobile-to-fixed charge was left at UAH 0.25/min. Alexander Paraschiy: The new interconnection tariffs in effect will allow Ukrtelecom to save about UAH 30-35 mln in 2009 in costs and additionally about UAH 100 mln annually from 2010. This is worse than what Ukrtelecom expected before (making both FTM and MTF interconnect on an equal level). Moreover, the implementation of the new tariffs is questionable, as at the moment the Anti-Monopoly Committee is revising its definition of monopoly operators. If the major mobile operators are able to prove they are “not monopolies”, the new tariffs will not go into effect. Still, in this case, Ukrtelecom would have a chance to revise the tariffs to its benefit at the end of 2009 (tariffs are set by mutual agreements that terminate at the end of each year).