Telecoms watchdog to remove price leash

* username: rupertbu

Etisalat and du are on course to set their own prices for the first time, opening the door to cheaper phone bills for consumers but lower profits for the rival telecommunications operators.

The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) yesterday outlined proposed regulations that will free the companies from seeking the watchdog’s approval before changing their prices.

The proposed regulations, which the TRA said could be enforced by the end of the year, would also prevent du and Etisalat from engaging in anti-competitive behaviour such as predatory pricing.