NETnet urges mobile operators to open their nets

An international telecoms newcomer is calling on Cellnet and Vodafone to abide by an Oftel ruling and speed up the process of giving market entrants access to their networks.

Ari Kestin, UK MD of NETnet, best known for its calling card services, said: "Whilst we were pleased with Oftel's decision to open up the mobile marketplace, we received a mixed reaction when we approached the network operators."

NETnet has so far not been given any indication when the two companies will comply with the Oftel ruling, even though it's planning to offer indirect services within 12 months.

Vodafone refused to comment on the specifics of Kestin's claims, but a spokesman said: "Vodafone welcomes the increased clarity which an expanded set of roaming guidelines presents. If we are approached by any new entrant, we work with them to agree commercial terms on issues like pricing and branding."

BT Cellnet was unavailable to comment, but NETnet confirmed it is holding ongoing talks with the company and Vodafone.

Oftel published guidelines to increase competition in the market last month, and among those proposals was a mandate for indirect access to Vodafone and BT Cellnet networks to encourage what it calls Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs).

MVNOs would then be able to offer services which they brand and price themselves after paying network operators for access to their infrastructure. Oftel believes a wider range of providers will benefit end-users, as wider choice drives down prices.

Oftel also stressed that indirect operators should not be charged more for network services than tied service providers.