Kazakhstan, Astana, July 12 / Trend S.Suleymanov /
The Kazakh Communications and IT Ministry has stepped up work to introduce 3G cellular communications standards in the country, the ministry reported.
"The ministry's Communications and Informatization Committee are revising the annual fee on 3G radio spectrum standards at the working group level together with the interested state agencies," the ministry said. "The working group is also preparing proposals to amend the Kazakh Tax Code."
The necessary frequency range to introduce 3G services was released in late 2009, but current legislation does not provide a separate rate for the radio frequency standard.
"Thus, mobile operators have refused to pay the existing rate, as they consider the figure to be too high," committee Chairman Rizat Nurshabeyov said.
"We compromised and began to study the question of setting an annual fee on the 3G radio spectrum standard. However, we also expect reciprocal steps from mobile operators," he said.
The first step was undertaken by Kar-Tel Company, initiating proposals to reduce tariffs on mobile services for subscribers.
"We support the ministry's efforts to reduce the annual fee on the use of the 3G spectrum and are willing to work on new, more affordable proposals," Kar Tel Regional Development Directorate Chief Yevgeni Pepelyayev said