Telecom Companies have unanimously condemned what they say has been government’s imposition of a surcharge on incoming international calls. The telcos say the practice is in breach of International Telecommunications Laws, the ECOWAS Treaty and the West African Union Treaty. These sentiments were captured in a communiqué issued by the West African Telecommunications Conference held in Dakar last month. The telcos are worried government’s actions could result in a general increase in tariffs and this, they say, will adversely affect both local consumers and the diaspora and could further widen the digital divide. They argue that the surcharge significantly increases the cost of settlement fees, fraud and a reduction in incoming international traffic culminating in less revenue for both government and the telcos. Ever since it was introduced, they say they have suffered concrete and measurable harm. The communiqué is demanding that all countries that have imposed such a system or who propose to impose it notably Ghana, Guinea and Congo, review their actions in the interest of citizens. They also recommend that operators in the sub region cease all commercial relationships with any firm involved in the imposition of such a surcharge system. The statement is endorsed by the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications. The telcos are also condemning allegations that operators make false declarations of traffic and/or are directly involved in the proliferation of SIM boxes reaffirming that they remain committed to fight the illegal practice. None of the telcos are however willing to comment beyond the statement. Meanwhile Communications Minister Haruna Iddrissu says there is no turning back as far as efforts to rid the Telecom industry of fraud are concerned. Source: Joy Business/Myjoyonline.com/Ghana