On 31^st May 2012 the Communications Regulation Commission (CRC) adopted a final decision regarding the analysis of the wholesale market for voice call termination on individual mobile networks (second round) in the Republic of Bulgaria in compliance with the EU regulatory framework.

 

The results from the conducted public consultation with the stakeholders are reflected in the final decision and the opinions of the Commission on Protection of Competition and the received by the European Commission (EC) recommendations after the notification of the market are taken into account.

 

The results of the analysis showed that the wholesale market for voice call termination on individual mobile networks is again susceptible to ex-ante regulation, as there is no effective competition on the relevant market due to the existence of undertakings with significant market power.

 

The CRC determined “Bulgarian Telecommunications Company” AD, “Mobiltel” EAD and “Cosmo Bulgaria Mobile” EAD as undertakings with significant market power on the analyzed market and particular specific obligations are imposed on them.

 

It is foreseen in the market analysis that a new glide path for reduction of the voice call termination rates on individual mobile networks which will be valid till 30.06.2013 and after that cost oriented prices determined on the grounds of BULRIC model will be applied. The first step will be in force as from 01.07.2012 when the wholesale prices in peak hours will be reduced from BGN 0,13 / per minute to BGN 0,055 / per minute, and in the second reduction as from 01.01.2013 the price will be BGN 0,046 / per minute and will be valid till 30.06.2013.

 

With the adoption of the CRC’s final decision the regulatory measures are subject to immediate execution.

 

The final decision, the attached to it market analysis together with the summarized from the public consultations with Commission on Protection of Competition and EC results are published in section “Market regulation – electronic communications”.