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Mobile networks, developments, services, & offers => Mobiles, networks, services & offers => Topic started by: mobaholic on June 19, 2010, 11:29:30 AM



Title: Campaign for cheaper calls to mobiles
Post by: mobaholic on June 19, 2010, 11:29:30 AM

From BT (http://epidm.edgesuite.net/BTEM/0610/2043249_BTC_Terminate_Rate_Email/BT_Terminate_Rate_June_Consenting_Base_Alt.html).        ;)



Title: Re: Campaign for cheaper calls to mobiles
Post by: andy on June 19, 2010, 01:30:54 PM
what a load of nonsense

Ofcom have already said for some time, and not only them but the European regulators too, that they want to see mobile termination rates heading downwards, and they are gradually doing so, not only here but in other countries

Why do BT need to con their customers that they are having any influence on a process which is happening anyway?

3 have also made a big show about supporting this campaign. Wholesale termination rates to 3, not only 3 UK but other 3 networks in Europe, are higher than average, in fact amongst the highest of the whole lot. And we know they increased retail rates to their new entrants


Title: Re: Campaign for cheaper calls to mobiles
Post by: andy on June 19, 2010, 02:27:42 PM
In fact, given your other post about the dispute between BT and the mobile networks about BT's charging of 0845 and 0870, it which it emerges that BT's rates for these numbers can be several times more expensive than mobile termination rates, while other providers are only charged a couple of pence a minute, I'm amazed that BT has the hypocritical effrontery to make any campaigns about other companies lowering charges


Title: Re: Campaign for cheaper calls to mobiles
Post by: petkow on June 19, 2010, 02:59:37 PM
Good points Andy. BT are even going as far as taking credit for this. What nonsense!!
Quote
Our campaign and petition to lower Mobile Termination Rates (MTRs) has proved a huge success so far. Thanks to your support Ofcom has recommended bringing them down to 0.5p per minute.

However, I am not even a fan of lowering MTR's. Aren't the high MTR's that we are familiar with across Europe effectively ensuring that outgoing rates from mobiles (and monthly line rentals) stay reasonably low? I do not want it getting to a position like in the US where MTR's are zero but the customer ends up paying more as a result of much higher monthly line rentals.


Title: Re: Campaign for cheaper calls to mobiles
Post by: mobaholic on June 19, 2010, 03:10:00 PM

I too am sympathetic with andy's comments.  I am intrigued by petkow's.        ;)

Although I know about mobile users being charged for incoming calls in the States, I was not aware that they paid more overall.        :'(

Will petkow kindly give us some comparable figures, if possible, preferably expressed in £s, so that we will better appreciate his point ?        :-\



Title: Re: Campaign for cheaper calls to mobiles
Post by: petkow on June 19, 2010, 03:33:32 PM
The USA is a very aggressive and competitive market and there are a lot of tariffs. However, in my experience, if you compare a high volume postpaid US contract ("plan") with a UK one, you will find the UK one is better value (especially when you consider the retention incentives, and "free" handsets you get here). In the USA, a 1000min plan (remember that is incoming and outgoing together) usually sets you back around $40/month (£27) and that does not give you a free handset. You generally have to commit to a lengthy 2 year contract to get a decent free handset, and even then the monthly rates seem to be around $10 higher.

Lately all the networks seem to be competing on unlimited deals which obviously soften the blow of having to pay for incoming minutes. I think the going rates are something like:
$50/month (£35) unlimited minutes
$60/month (£40) unlimited minutes, unlimited texts
$80/month (£55) unlimited minutes, unlimited texts, unlimited web

By the way, I am no expert on all the deals and the GBP conversions are approximate. Also bear in mind that our minutes here are worth more as they are normally to mobiles (having higher MTR's), and in the USA, all minutes are effectively only to "landlines".


Title: Re: Campaign for cheaper calls to mobiles
Post by: mobaholic on June 19, 2010, 03:37:30 PM

All qualifications duly noted !        ;)

It is helpful to have even approximate values to compare.  Thanks petkow.        :)



Title: Re: Campaign for cheaper calls to mobiles
Post by: seanjoe on June 19, 2010, 06:00:01 PM
petkow's rate comparison is a real revelation. I have had friends who are from the US and Canada, and I have noticed that they never call us as regularly as we do them. I think the UK in terms of telecoms internationally has very competitive rates. And I agree that if you are willing to go for a contract, then the rates are much better here. India used to also have charges for incoming calls to mobiles before (right?), but even they have abolished that now.

I know most people compare the UK's high taxes, food prices, living style, rents, etc to be much higher than the US, but in terms of telecoms, I think the UK is still number 1.


Title: Re: Campaign for cheaper calls to mobiles
Post by: ruz on June 30, 2010, 06:04:53 PM
Hi,
Yes most people compare the UK's high taxes, food prices, lifestyle, rents, All expensive etc to be much higher than the US, Canada but in terms of telecoms, I think the UK is still number 1. You are right seanjoe I totally agree U.K is really very much flexible and easy in telecom service. No one from U.S,Canada or Australia calls so often anywhere like people from U.K.

Ruz.