Azernews.Az

By Nigar Orujova

The issue of reducing the cost of inter-operator connections in Azerbaijan will be solved soon.

The news was announced by Azerbaijani Communication and High Technologies Minister Ali Abbasov on May 6.

"Negotiations among mobile operators are at the final stage," he said. "This issue is being regulated based on the decision of the ministerial board."

Abbasov said he was optimistic. "The operators have already completed negotiations on introducing low joint rate for inter-operator connections. Afterwards, they will be able to reduce the tariffs for end users further."

Mobile communication tariffs in Azerbaijan generally correspond to the market realities and one cannot influence them, because it may have an adverse affect on this field, Abbasov believes.

"Nevertheless, there is a possibility of reducing certain tariffs for mobile services in Azerbaijan," he said.

Earlier, the ministry also said international roaming rates may be reduced during the Baku Games.

Azerbaijan's telecommunication infrastructure will be thoroughly checked in the near future as part of the preparation for the first European games which will be held in Baku in 2015, Abbasov added.

"Work in this area includes improving the quality of telecommunication services for the upcoming European Games," he said. "We have asked some technology companies to check our communication services by special standards. The inspection will be carried out within one or two months. Afterwards, relevant measures will be taken."

Europe's first senior multi-sport event will consist of more than 6,000 athletes competing in 19 sports from the 49 countries affiliated to the European Olympic Committees in Baku on June 12-28.