MPTC unveils minimum mobile tariffs

The Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications (MPTC) has announced the minimum tariffs for the country’s mobile operators as established by a new edict passed earlier this week, the Phnom Penh Post reports. Under the terms of the new law, cellcos will not be able to offer calls below USD0.045 per minute (excluding taxes), while calls across networks must not be charged at less than USD0.0595 per minute. The state has introduced the new rules to end a price war it says has been undermining profitability in the wireless sector and eroding government revenues. It is also hoped the law will bring an end to dominant mobile operators blocking calls from customers of competitors, as any cellco that does so will risk losing its licence and be forced to pay compensation to rivals and the government. Minister of Posts and Telecommunication So Khun said the edict does however allow operators to offer discounted rates and special promotions, including free minutes, with prior permission from the ministry. Each promotion is limited to 30 days, and prices must not drop below 50% of the minimum tariff for on-network calls during offers, although promotions on cross-network calls will not be allowed. So Khun stressed that the ministry developed the new rules only after efforts to mediate between operators over ongoing issues of pricing and interconnection failed.