German operators have slammed cuts to mobile termination rates that slash the figure by half.
National regulator Bundesnetzagentur yesterday cut the rates KPN’s local unit E-Plus and Telefonica’s O2 Germany can charge by €4 cents, while Vodafone Germany and T-Mobile’s fees fell by €3 cents, to bring the country in-line with European requirements.
The reductions means O2 has the highest termination rate at €0.0337, followed by T-Mobile on €0.0336. Vodafone and E-Plus have the lowest rate at €0.0333 apiece.
Despite agreeing that cuts are necessary, staffers at Deutsche Telekom, E-Plus and O2 said the level of reduction will impact investment in 4G networks WSJ.com reported.
The precise figures could still be changed, following discussions between the operators, European Commission and other national regulators, TeleGeography said.
A final decision is due by end-March, though any changes will be back-dated to December 1, the news site reported.