The Communications Ministry is proposing that calls to 1-800 lines from cellular networks should also be free.
Bezeq (TASE: BZEQ) has warned that a proposed policy change by the Ministry of Communications could cost customers operating toll free 1-800 lines hundreds of thousands of shekels. Under the new policy, calls to 1-800 lines will absolutely free including from cellular handsets, in contrast to the existing arrangement under which the cost of calls is split between the owner of the line and the customer making the call. Bezeq has blasted the Communications Ministry's move, claiming that it will mean that public bodies engaged in charitable causes such as emergency service organizations and charities will no longer be able provide free lines for their services.
Bezeq notes that the Communications Ministry was responsible for introducing, by an administrative order and license amendments, the current arrangement for 1-800 calls from cellular networks to 1-800 subscribers, including the reimbursement tariff charged to cellular companies. The company adds that the entry of new internal telephony service operators, and the wish that callers should not have to pay anything cannot change the nature and characteristics of a call to a 1-800 line, which is, essentially, an outgoing call for all intents and purposes.
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on May 11, 2008
© Copyright of Globes Publisher Itonut (1983) Ltd. 2008