JAMAICANS should get details of new, lower Mobile Termination Rates (MTRs) for calls across networks by tomorrow.

Minister of Science, Technology, Energy and Mining Phillip Paulwell made the disclosure during his contribution to the Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives yesterday in response to concerns raised by Opposition Member of Parliament Daryl Vaz.

“They have indicated to me what the rates will be, but, of course, it would not be appropriate for me to make an announcement. Just to say to you that, as was the case last year, we should see a lowering of the telecommunications rate,” Paulwell said. Vaz, who handled telecommunications matters under the previous Jamaica Labour Party Administration, said that the Opposition expects the Government to follow through from where he had left off by starting the process of cutting cross-network rates, in order to ease the burden on consumers while encouraging competition within the mobile phone market.

He noted that last July, the Office of Utilities Regulation (OUR) had set an interim rate of $5 per minute, while it developed regulatory protocols to administer the MTR. However, he was concerned about the delay in completing the process.

“The final decision is expected on May 30. I am forced to query the length of time it has taken for the publication of the final termination rates, and it is now imperative that this commitment be delivered on,” Vaz insisted.

Paulwel, immediately rose on a Point of Order to inform the Opposition MP that the new rates would disclosed tomorrow.

Vaz noted that in the past, mobile rates were unregulated, creating excessive charges to call across networks. Indications are that cross-network rates could fall as low as $2 per minute this time.

He said that the higher rates were like punishment for network choice. He also noted that the MTR has been a vexed issue among both mobile telecoms providers and customers who have to deal with variations in rates for calling other networks of between 84 cents and $9.