Finnish Minister of Communications Suvi Lindén and Russian Minister for Communications and Mass Media Igor Shchegolev have struck a policy agreement on roaming charges between the two countries.
Business delegations involved in the negotiations discussed the implementation timetable and pricing schedule for roaming charges. Mobile telecommunications operators have been ordered to agree on these details by 1 May. The roaming charge specified by the EU has been set as the reference pricing level.
"The result of these negotiations is a major step forward for co-operation between our countries and proof that similar forms of co-operation can be used in many different areas. The price reductions will very apparent in the phone bills for all Finns and Russians using telephone or data services while travelling in either country", commented Minister Lindén at the conclusion of negotiations yesterday.
The Finnish delegation is comprised of mobile telecommunications operator and equipment manufacturer representatives. The Russian delegation includes three executives from a major telecommunications company.
The Ministers and delegations held negotiations in Helsinki on 15-16 March.
For further information:
Director-General Juhapekka Ristola, tel. +358 (0)400 788 530
Senior Adviser Olli-Pekka Rantala, +358 (0)50 344 3400
