Netia calls Telecom Min to arbitrate inter-connection talks

Netia calls Telecom Min to arbitrate inter-connection talks Netia 1, one of the three telecom operators to receive a license for long-distance services, has asked the Telecommunications Ministry to arbitrate the terms of inter-connection between itself and Telekomunikacja Polska S.A. (TPSA). "There are differences concerning the definition of terms, connection fees, subscriber billing, pre-selection and the timetable of launching services," said Netia spokeswoman Jolanta Ciesieska, "We are hoping the Ministry will help resolve these issues." Netia 1 should have signed the inter-connection agreement on Sept. 4. It is likely that another company awarded a long-distance license, Niezalezny Operator Miedzystrefowy, will ask the Ministry to intervene as well. Telecom Minister Tomasz Szyszko said a few days ago, that if asked to arbitrate, the Ministry will try and begin as soon as possible. However, right now Szyszko is on the road promoting the UMTS license tender in Western Europe. (Puls Biznesu, page 7)