GOVT SUGGESTS THAT HT INCLUDE 10 KUNA OF FREE CALLS IN SUBSCRIPTION FEE

ZAGREB, Aug 30 (Hina) - The Croatian government suggested on Thursday that the Croatian Telecom include a 10 kuna bonus in its phone subscription fees over a transitional period which would last until the introduction of the new tariff system and by 1 January 2003 at the latest. This means that the monthly fixed-line phone subscription fee for citizens, which amounts to 60 kuna, would include free phone calls worth 10 kuna. This, the government says, would enable adjustment to the new tariff system and keep one of the advantages of the previous subscription fee system for some time. The government's proposal is connected with preparations for the deregulation of telecommunication services, to start on January 1, 2003. The new tariff system is necessary because of HT's adjustment to the deregulated market and liberalisation of the telecommunications market, Economy Minister Goranko Fizulic says. However, since the full deregulation of the Croatian market has not started yet, the government wants to enable adequate adjustment of citizens in the transitional period. The government has requested that the Economy Ministry submit within two to three weeks a study on changes in the tariff system in the fixed telephone network, after citizens receive their first phone bills according to the new tariff system. The new tariff system for the fixed telephone network has been in force since August 1. HT estimates that the price of phone calls for citizens has increased by 12-24%. The new system consists of a single monthly subscription fee of 60 kuna, however, the fee does not include any free calls. (hina) rml