Minister of Communications Ehud Olmert has decided on gradual cuts over four years, not two years.
Sources inform “Globes” that Minister of Communications Ehud Olmert has decided to gradually cut wireless connectivity charges to NIS 0.22 per minute, excluding VAT, over four years, instead of one year. The current connectivity charge between wireless networks and between them and Bezeq (TASE:BZEQ) is NIS 0.45 per minute, excluding VAT.
The reductions will be in March 2005, rather than in January as originally planned. The first reduction will be to NIS 0.32 per minute, excluding VAT, instead of to NIS 0.27.
In March 2006, the connectivity charge will be reduced to NIS 0.29 per minute, to NIS 0.26 per minute in 2007, and finally to NIS 0.22 per minute in 2008. The decision was made after intensive work by the Ministry of Communications, which has notified the wireless operators of the reductions.
The ministry declined to comment on the report. The wireless operators said they were waiting to receive official notice from the ministry tomorrow before responding.
Published by Globes [online] - www.globes.co.il - on November 17, 2004