Cellphone charges focus for workshop

The Commerce Commission is to hold a workshop next week as it sets about determining the price mobile phone companies can charge competitors to connect to their networks.
Telecommunications Commissioner Ross Pattersonsays the commission has proposed that the final regulation for terminating mobile calls and text messages should focus solely on setting a wholesale price.
Unless the industry provides compelling arguments to the contrary, non-price terms such as operational arrangements and technical specifications will continue as negotiated by the industry, says Dr Patterson.
The commission expects that regulation of the termination rates will lead to greater competition at the retail level, as mobile and fixed line phone companies pass on cost-savings.
The scoping workshop for the telecommunications industry and other interested parties is to be held on October 6.
After that the commission will issue a notice to access providers to submit a proposal for standard terms to govern the supply of mobile termination access services.
The commission expects the process to result in it issuing an STD specifying the regulated price, and any other terms and conditions, for the supply of the mobile termination access services to be finished by March 31. NZPA