The dispute between Cesky Telecom and Czech cellular operators about interconnection prices is escalating as Cesky Telecom seeks to pay only CZK 3 per minute, while RadioMobil, the no. 2 cellular operator, proposes CZK 5.50 per minute. As of July, Cesky Telecom unilaterally started paying the lower price, and RadioMobil says that, as a result of this, it received CZK 500 mil. less than in should have received from Cesky Telecom. This sum illustrates that the issue of interconnection fees can have a major impact on this year’s Cesky Telecom’s results, and particularly on the 9-month figures due to be released at the end of October. The sector regulator has been asked to resolve the issue, and until then it is premature to make conclusions about the effect on Cesky Telecom results (at this stage, one can say that the status quo is favorable for Cesky Telecom).
(Ondrej Datka)