S'pore, M'sian regulators to study cutting roaming charges with telcos
By Lau Joon-Nie, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 06 October 2008 2148 hrs

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SINGAPORE: Singapore and Malaysian regulators have been asked to explore the possibility of reducing roaming charges with mobile operators on both sides of the Causeway.

In a statement, the Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore said the communication ministers of both countries recently agreed there was merit in bringing regulators and telcos together to harmonise and reduce prevailing mobile roaming charges.

Singapore's Information, Communications and the Arts Minister, Lee Boon Yang, had met his Malaysian counterpart, Energy, Water and Communications Minister Shaziman Abu Mansor at the sidelines of the 8th ASEAN Meeting of Telecommunications and IT Ministers (TELMIN) in Bali from August 27 to 29.

According to IDA, the subject of mobile roaming charges is currently being reviewed by ASEAN regulators.

ASEAN ministers had given the go-ahead in Bali for a study on intra-ASEAN roaming charges to better understand the prevailing industry practice and charging model.

IDA said further details on any reduction in roaming charges by Singapore or Malaysian telcos would only be available after regulators and operators have completed discussions. - CNA/vm