3g-g
18th April 2005, 09:50 AM
Reported in the Times (Main) on 12th April.
Two mobile phone operators are to be called before the European Commission to face allegations of overcharging. The claims could result in multi-million-euro fines for the firms.
Vodafone and O2 are accused of charging "unfair and excessive" prices to continental operators in enabling these operators' customers to make calls while visiting the UK. The so-called wholesale roaming fees are detrimental to consumers travelling to the UK because they translated into higher call costs, the Commission said.
If found guilty, Vodafone and O2 could be fined up to 10 per cent of their annual group turnover as well as potentially facing damage claims from the foreign operators involved.
Two mobile phone operators are to be called before the European Commission to face allegations of overcharging. The claims could result in multi-million-euro fines for the firms.
Vodafone and O2 are accused of charging "unfair and excessive" prices to continental operators in enabling these operators' customers to make calls while visiting the UK. The so-called wholesale roaming fees are detrimental to consumers travelling to the UK because they translated into higher call costs, the Commission said.
If found guilty, Vodafone and O2 could be fined up to 10 per cent of their annual group turnover as well as potentially facing damage claims from the foreign operators involved.