Diaspora demands reducing fixed phone charges

Representatives of the Moldovan communities in the EU, CIS, Canada, the U.S. and Israel request the Government of Moldova to order decreasing the fixed-line telephone charges put by Moldtelecom, Info-Prim Neo reports. They argue that the people working abroad are the largest investors in Moldova, have taken an active part in elections, showing patriotism, and gave of vote of confidence to the present administration. “This allows us demanding that the Moldovan authorities guarantee our rights, especially to communication. The national telecoms carrier committed itself to adjusting the charges, including on international outgoing calls, in 2001, but has not done it yet for a number of reasons,” says an open letter signed by representatives of 11 organizations of Moldovans set up abroad. According to the diaspora, the lower fixed phone charges will enable the Moldovans who are at home, especially the old people and children, not only to communicate more with the relatives who are abroad, but also to save money and use it for other purposes. Contacted by Info-Prim Neo, officials of SA Moldtelecom said they will make comments on the diaspora's request soon. Currently, the charge for a minute of conversation with most of the EU member states and the U.S. is 6 lei. The calls to Romania, Russia and Ukraine cost over 3 lei per minute.