Menu
27/06/2003
Mobile charges to be cut following court ruling
Mobile phone calls under some tariff structures will be reduced by up to half following a High Court ruling against Vodafone, Orange and T-Mobile.
On Friday, the three UK phone giants finally lost their fight in a long-running court battle with regulators over the practice of levying of “termination charges”.
The High Court found that the mobile operators were charging too much for calling a BT landline and other network operators.
The finding means that consumers may save around £190 million a year for the next three years.
However, the mobile operators are unhappy with the court ruling brought by the Competition Commission report that proposed price cuts following an extensive review of the cost structures of the mobile phone industry in the UK. Oftel’s analysis of call charge components indicated that “termination charges” accounted for almost two thirds of the cost of a mobile call, and following today’s ruling the mobile phone operators stand to loose a substantial portion of their revenue stream.
In 2001, the mobile operators refused to accept Oftel’s determination that costs should be reduced by around 10% and the matter was taken up by the Competition Commission who conducted a year-long review of the mobile operators call charging components.
The High Court has granted the right for the three of the companies involved to appeal the finding.
Though consumer groups welcomed the determination, the phone companies have warned that there may have to be considerable hike in the cost of handsets.
The price of mobile phone handsets is reduced substantially due to subsidies provided by the operators who then recoup this cost through the call charges.
(SP)
On Friday, the three UK phone giants finally lost their fight in a long-running court battle with regulators over the practice of levying of “termination charges”.
The High Court found that the mobile operators were charging too much for calling a BT landline and other network operators.
The finding means that consumers may save around £190 million a year for the next three years.
However, the mobile operators are unhappy with the court ruling brought by the Competition Commission report that proposed price cuts following an extensive review of the cost structures of the mobile phone industry in the UK. Oftel’s analysis of call charge components indicated that “termination charges” accounted for almost two thirds of the cost of a mobile call, and following today’s ruling the mobile phone operators stand to loose a substantial portion of their revenue stream.
In 2001, the mobile operators refused to accept Oftel’s determination that costs should be reduced by around 10% and the matter was taken up by the Competition Commission who conducted a year-long review of the mobile operators call charging components.
The High Court has granted the right for the three of the companies involved to appeal the finding.
Though consumer groups welcomed the determination, the phone companies have warned that there may have to be considerable hike in the cost of handsets.
The price of mobile phone handsets is reduced substantially due to subsidies provided by the operators who then recoup this cost through the call charges.
(SP)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
15 October 2009
Drugs 'Baron' Caged
The ringleader of a criminal gang that ran a network supplying millions of pounds worth of drugs across West London has been stopped in his tracks following an intelligence led operation by officers from the Metropolitan Police Service Sheldon Pommell, 25, from Acton, was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment at Kingston Crown Court this week after be
Drugs 'Baron' Caged
The ringleader of a criminal gang that ran a network supplying millions of pounds worth of drugs across West London has been stopped in his tracks following an intelligence led operation by officers from the Metropolitan Police Service Sheldon Pommell, 25, from Acton, was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment at Kingston Crown Court this week after be
23 May 2007
MEPs vote to reduce mobile roaming charges
MEPs in Strasbourg have backed plans to reduce roaming charges for mobile telephone users within the European Union. The European Parliament voted in favour of an EU Regulation to substantially reduce the charges for using mobile phones between EU countries.
MEPs vote to reduce mobile roaming charges
MEPs in Strasbourg have backed plans to reduce roaming charges for mobile telephone users within the European Union. The European Parliament voted in favour of an EU Regulation to substantially reduce the charges for using mobile phones between EU countries.
29 January 2015
Sky To Launch New Mobile Phone Service
A new mobile phone service is to be launched by pay-TV company Sky in partnership Telefonica, O2's Spanish parent company. Sky, adding mobile to its internet, landline and TV, will use Telefonica UK's wireless network to offer the new service.
Sky To Launch New Mobile Phone Service
A new mobile phone service is to be launched by pay-TV company Sky in partnership Telefonica, O2's Spanish parent company. Sky, adding mobile to its internet, landline and TV, will use Telefonica UK's wireless network to offer the new service.
27 February 2008
Most People Believe Mobile Phone Use Affects Driving
Three quarters of people believe that drivers who use their mobile phones are needlessly risking their own, and other people's, safety, research published by the government has revealed. A YouGov poll carried out for the Department for Transport found that 60% of people said they felt 'annoyed' when they saw a motorist using a mobile phone.
Most People Believe Mobile Phone Use Affects Driving
Three quarters of people believe that drivers who use their mobile phones are needlessly risking their own, and other people's, safety, research published by the government has revealed. A YouGov poll carried out for the Department for Transport found that 60% of people said they felt 'annoyed' when they saw a motorist using a mobile phone.
03 February 2011
Mobile Phone Capacity Promised Boost
Plans to help increase mobile network capacity and deliver faster and more reliable mobile services for consumers were unveiled by the regulator, Ofcom this week. The proposals will allow mobile phone operators for the first time to trade the radio spectrum that mobiles use to communicate with mobile masts.
Mobile Phone Capacity Promised Boost
Plans to help increase mobile network capacity and deliver faster and more reliable mobile services for consumers were unveiled by the regulator, Ofcom this week. The proposals will allow mobile phone operators for the first time to trade the radio spectrum that mobiles use to communicate with mobile masts.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A dry day with long spells of sunshine for most, however eastern coasts will see rather more in the way of cloud at times, with just the risk of an odd light morning shower. Mainly light northerly winds. Maximum temperature 13 °C.Tonight:A fine end to the day with some evening sunshine. It remains dry overnight with a touch of frost possible in places, although cloud is expected to increase towards dawn. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
