The European Commission has asked UK telecoms regulator, Ofcom, to reconsider its proposed glide path so that mobile termination rates will be reduced in half the suggested time period to 0.5p by the end of 2012 rather than 2014/2015.

On 1st April 2010, Ofcom laid out its proposal for lower MTRs being introduced over a four year period, eventually arriving at 0.5p by the end of April 2014/15.

Ofcom’s proposal followed recommendations made last year by the European Commission to lower termination rates across Europe. In May last year the commission said that businesses and households will benefit to the tune of at least €2bn over the four years from 2009 to 2012.

The EC’s request confirms the urgency of this move. By shortening the glide path, mobile operators and fixed-line providers will be able to offer even more competitive deals benefiting UK consumers. It can only be a good thing to introduce these changes as soon as possible.