[November 06, 2009] 'EC asks Opta to align termination rate calculations' Tweet Nov 06, 2009 (DMEUROPE via COMTEX) -- The European Commission has asked Dutch regulator Opta to align its cost accounting method for calculating fixed termination rates with the approach recommended by EU guidelines adopted on 7 May. Call termination charges, which the operator of the calling network pays to the operator of the receiving network, should be based on the current costs of an efficient operator employing efficient technology. Until now, OPTA's specific calculation model includes costs that should not be attributed to the provision of call termination services. The resulting above-cost regulated termination rates may limit the benefits of competition and encourage operators charge consumers too much, the EC said. Opta spokeswoman Cynthia Heijne said the regulator was surprised to receive the letter. "This is probably standard procedure. We did our best in June to keep our calculation method for mobile and fixed telephony tariffs transparent. Next June, we will publish new maximum rates for fixed termination rates, and we will take the EC statements in consideration." Distributed for DMeurope.com via M2 Communications (www.m2.com) [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]