Ofcom forces mobile operators to reduce termination rates

Ofcom published a statement that the Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) would have their mobile termination rates reduced from April 1st.

Everything Everywhere, O2 and Vodafone will have their current rate of 4.18p per minute reduced to 2.66p per minute on the 1st of April, while 3 (3UK) will have their rate reduced from 4.48p per minute to the 2.66p per minute rate. Next year the rate for all 4 MNOs will drop to 2.66p per minute then 1.70ppm, 1.08ppm and by 2015 0.69ppm.

This should be reflected in call charges by the MNOs and fixed line operators such as BT.

This doesn't affect data charges which the MNOs can still charge a premium for (though Ofcom will surely cap these too, especially for roaming customers).

This is in-line with European policy as the EU Commission expects mobile termination rates to be between 1.5 and 3c by 2015.