Crockart backs better deal for Edinburgh mobile phone users

24 June 2010

Edinburgh West MP Mike Crockart is backing calls from several leading national charities for a cut in charges that add significantly to the cost of calling a mobile phone.

Mike is supporting th 'Terminate the Rate' campaign which is asking the communications regulator Ofcom to reduce mobile termination rates (MTRs) to reflect actual costs more accurately. At present, consumers are forced to pay an MTR of around 4p/minute when they phone a mobile from another network or from their landline.

Mr Crockart has also added his name to a joint submission to th ongoing public consultation on this issue which argues for rates to be cut immediately.

Commenting, Mike said: "Mobile termination rates have a significant impact on the cost of making calls to and from mobile phones. Cutting the rates to a level that reflects the actual cost to the network provider would help boost competition and deliver a better deal for consumers, charities and other organisations in Edinburgh.

More than 100,000 people have told Ofcom that they want to see an end to excessive charging and there is no reason why MTRs should not be reduced sooner than later. Mobile phone users in Edinburgh and across the UK deserve better."