TRA intervenes in interconnection between iBoom! and FSMTC
iBoom! is a new competitor in the FSM mobile market, licensed to operate on Yap.
The Telecommunications Regulation Authority (TRA) has intervened to put in place an Interconnection Agreement between FSMTC and iBoom! The decision was made after iBoom! and FSMTC failed to reach agreement on their own within the 30 days required by law.
The agreement requires both parties to create an interconnection between their two networks, allowing users (you) on both networks to call and message each other directly. Without an interconnection, any call or message between the two networks would have to go through an expensive international connection.
What does this mean for users?
The decision creates the basis for consumer choice between mobile networks. Once the interconnection is made, as required by our decision, FSMTC or iBoom! users will be able to call each other at reasonable prices. The decision also shows other mobile companies that may want to launch in FSM how interconnection can be achieved. Experience in other Pacific nations with small populations shows that small markets can support competition for mobile services, and that as companies enter the market, prices fall, and service quality improves.
What is TRA?
TRA regulates the FSM telecommunications market to promote the interests of users (you). Like a referee – it makes sure that telecommunications companies play by the rules as they compete for customers (you). In the coming weeks we will be sharing more information about TRA and its service to the FSM.