MVNOs say wholesale roaming price caps still too high

Nieuws Mobiel Europa 14 JUN 2017
MVNOs say wholesale roaming price caps still too high
Wholesale roaming caps in the EU are still too high, even after the big cut planned for 15 June, according to industry group MVNO Europe. The association of MVNOs said it supports the introduction of 'roam-like-at-home' in the EU, and its members are implementing the 'free' roaming for customers. However, as the group warned previously, the still-high wholesale roaming price caps may lead to many providers seeking derogations from RLAH and still applying surcharges for roaming. 

The MVNOs say lower wholesale prices, based on actual costs, are needed to ensure effective competition, as the current rates are still too high compared to national wholesale pricing for most players. This could cause significant problems for some operators. MVNO Europe said it would "not be surprised to see in the future a number of operators applying and qualifying for a derogation", as allowed under the so-called 'sustainability mechanism' in the EU regulation, or "even see national prices rise in some markets". 

The industry group called for the European Commission to conduct an in-depth analysis of the impact of the end of roaming surcharges on all market segments, including Internet of Things, earlier than the next scheduled review of the wholesale roaming caps in late 2019. 

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