Mobile phone users to benefit from lower tariffs

The watchdog says the move is a way of enabling the end users to communicate with each other more easily.

Talking to reporters at a Public Hearing on Inquiry for Review of Cost Based Interconnection Rates in Tanzania in December, in Dar es Salaam, John Nkoma, the TCRA Director General, said the move was aimed at making mobile telephone services easily accessible to many people, particularly those living in rural areas.

He said the hearing was an opportunity to consult with all stakeholders in the communications industry for their opinions on how the mobile phone industry could assist in bridging the digital divide in Tanzania.

He said the outcome of the process was democratic and what would be decided at the hearing would be coming from the people themselves.

"The decrease in interconnection rates will automatically benefit the people, not only in urban centres, but also those who live in rural areas, who will get access to mobile telephone services more easily," the DG said.

He said the interconnection rates had been fixed, taking into consideration the views of all the people who should air their views on the matter without fear.

Presenting his company's views, William Beckman, the Tanzania Telecommunication Company (TTCL) Chief Executive Officer, said his organisation appreciated the process of consultations, which had been adopted by the TCRA.

He mentioned in particular the level of consultations, which started months ago, the data gathered and consultation done during the period, which included all service providers.

"The opportunities for submissions were done in transparency, therefore exposing the key issues of the industry. TTCL believes that this process has contributed to beneficial outcomes for consumers and the industry," he said.

According to Beckman, customers have spoken, loud and clear that mobile service was now the preferred method for voice calls.

He said TTCL supported the TCRA's contention that rural rollouts by mobile operators would not be affected.

He assured that the TTCL would be aggressively rolling out its mobile coverage over the next five years to reach even more areas that were not currently covered.

He said the telecommunications industry would benefit from the new interconnection regime as the new cost-based interconnection rates were realistic in the Tanzanian environment.

Other cellular operators present were Vodacom, Tigo, Celtel, Sixtelecom, Benson Informatics and Zantel. They presented their submissions agreeing with the decrease of interconnection rates as well.

They said the move was good for both investment and the country's competition atmosphere.

Source: Guardian of Tanzania

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