15 June 2010 - Mr Lui Tuck Yew, Acting Minister For Information, Communications and The Arts, Singapore and H.E. Dr Rais Yatim, Minister of Information, Communications and Culture, Malaysia, have jointly announced that Singapore and Malaysia have both made a commitment to explore ways to reduce the prevailing roaming rates for mobile phone users.
Singapore, 15 June 2010, For Immediate Release
Regulators from Both Countries in Discussions with Operators to Lower Roaming Rates for Mobile Users by up to 30 per cent for Voice Calls and up to 50 per cent for SMSes
Mr Lui Tuck Yew, Acting Minister For Information, Communications and The Arts, Singapore and H.E. Dr Rais Yatim, Minister of Information, Communications and Culture, Malaysia, have jointly announced that Singapore and Malaysia have both made a commitment to explore ways to reduce the prevailing roaming rates for mobile phone users. This reflects the close relationship between the two countries and recognises the growing importance of mobile roaming service for mobile users.
The Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA) and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) are currently seeking operators' feedback on a proposal that seeks to progressively reduce the mobile roaming rates charged to Singapore and Malaysia mobile phone users, by up to 30 per cent for voice calls and up to 50 per cent for SMSes when they use the mobile roaming service provided by all mobile operators in Malaysia and Singapore respectively. This proposal would be implemented through reductions of both the wholesale inter-operator charges and the retail end user charges, and will be contingent on both countries following through the agreement. Further details will be available only after both agencies have completed discussions with their respective operators. IDA and MCMC expect to provide an update on this proposal in 3Q 2010. These proposed reductions could only be possible due to the continued close relations between Singapore and Malaysia.
In recent years, high retail roaming rates have been an area of concern for many countries. Mobile users roaming in another country often pay significantly higher charges for calls as compared to the local mobile user. With increased tourism and private and business travels between Singapore and Malaysia, and the rising penetration rate of mobile telephony in both countries, it is reasonable to expect mobile roaming traffic in both countries to grow in the future.
The telecom regulators for both countries, IDA and MCMC have been studying the rates charged by mobile operators of both countries to better understand the prevailing industry practice and charging model. As mobile roaming charges involve different price components charged by operators from both countries, any study of and regulatory requirement to reduce roaming charges will require coordination and cooperation between both regulators to ensure that users from both countries benefit from the decision.
JOINTLY ISSUED BY THE INFOCOMM DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY OF SINGAPORE (IDA) AND
THE MALAYSIAN COMMUNICATIONS AND MULTIMEDIA COMMISSION (SKMM).
About Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore
The Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA) is committed to growing Singapore into a dynamic global infocomm hub. IDA uses an integrated approach to developing infocommunications in Singapore. This involves nurturing a competitive telecoms market as well as a conducive business environment with programmes and schemes for both local and international companies. For more news and information, visit www.ida.gov.sg.
For media clarification, please contact:
Mr Sheo S RAI
Assistant Director, Corporate and Marketing Communication
Tel: +65 6211 1073
Fax: +65 6211 2227
Email: sheo_s_rai@imda.gov.sg
Ms CHIA Wan Fen
Assistant Manager, Corporate and Marketing Communication
Tel: +65 6211 0555
Fax: +65 6211 2227
Email: chia_wan_fen@imda.gov.sg
About Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (SKMM)
The primary role of SKMM is to implement and promote the Government's national policy objectives for the communications and multimedia sector. SKMM is also charged with overseeing the new regulatory framework for the converging industries of telecommunications, broadcasting and on-line activities, in accordance with the national policy objectives set out in the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 (CMA), as well as postal services and digital certifications.
The CMA provides that SKMM undertakes a policy implementation role, while policy decision-making is vested with the Minister. The Minister may also give policy directions to the Commission.
For more information visit www.skmm.gov.my
For media clarification, please contact:
Zeti Marziana Muhamed
Director, Corporate Communications Department
Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission
Wan Seri Rahayu Wan Mohd Said
Corporate Communications Department
Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission
Tel: +603 8688 8000
Fax: +603 8688 1007
Email: ccd@cmc.gov.my
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