Interconnection termination rates in various networks have seen significant declines. Interconnection termination rates decreased 28% for the mobile network, 37.51% for restricted mobility, and 13.5% for the fixed network. At the end of the new rate framework, interconnection termination rates will accumulate a 70% decrease for the mobile network and 40% for the fixed network. The importance of these reductions relate to the nature of networks, interconnection levels, and the specificities of each operator.

SMS rates also followed the same trend, decreasing by 51%. At the conclusion of the new framework, the cumulative depreciation reached 71%.

Under the General Policy Guidelines for telecommunications sector development in 2013, ANRT has implemented a number of levers, including interconnection rates and conditions for retail rate approval. The application of these levers is favourable to the consumer in the sense that there is a downward trend in interconnection rates that have a direct impact on retail rates.

The Agency launched a study on offers and promotions provided by operators. This study aimed to:

• Consolidate conditions for fair competition;
• Provide better visibility to operators;
• Increase transparency and provide information on rates to consumers.

Developed in collaboration with operators, this study was conducted in 2010 to create guidelines governing the review of ERPT rate offers.

The second multi-year price cap began in 2010. This new framework for the fixed and mobile network introduced the following innovations:

• The introduction of pricing asymmetry between the two mobile operators having significant market power on the relevant market;
• Interconnection rates set for new entrants;
• The inclusion of SMS in the new rate framework;
• The definition of a new lower profile taking into account both national references and international benchmarks.

The government’s General Policy Guidelines regarding the telecommunications sector liberalization for the 2004-2008 period had identified two phases in the local loop unbundling process:

• Partial unbundling January 8th 2007;
• Total unbundling July 8th 2008.

After the study and consultation with operators in this context, ANRT approved the various technical and pricing offers of shared access to the local loop. At the end of 2010, prices for unbundling showed a cumulative decline of 27% for full unbundling and 60% for partial unbundling.

Non rate-related aspects have also benefited from significant improvements in response to the needs expressed by the operators.

Following the study on market competition, in 2010 ANRT decided to establish a rate asymmetry for the mobile network. This pricing asymmetry considers the specificities of each operator.

Currently, pricing asymmetry is 20% with a gradual convergence of mobile termination interconnection rates that will expire in 2013.