HTC Hero users may back campaign

Consumers with some of the newest mobiles around – like the Apple iPhone 3G S or HTC Hero – may be interested in the fact a new campaign aimed at cutting call charges is gaining momentum.

Put together by a number of different groups including 3 Mobile and BT, the Terminate the Rate initiative is designed to lower fees for the consumer by targeting the prices operators must pay to connect to rival networks.

Known as mobile termination rates, these charges are said to cost handset users in the UK around 5 pence per minute – which can add up to billions of pounds every year.

As such, four new companies have chosen to get behind the Terminate the Rate campaign, with each citing reasons that relate to their own field of expertise.

Family charity 4children explained that its involvement was due to the fact that keeping friends and relatives connected was an important part of life, in particular when it comes to the elderly or those who live far away.

A spokesperson for the Institute of Money Advisors, which also confirmed its support, said the cost-cutting initiative would help those on low incomes and sections of society who are susceptible to debt.

The third organisation, Crossroads Care, explained that its backing was partially due to the need for those who look after the old or infirm to have easy and affordable access to their patients.

Finally, Moneymagpie.com founder Jasmine Birtles said it was also time “greedy mobile phone companies” were called up on the issue. “We all depend on our mobiles so much now that we need to make sure that the charges are fair and transparent,” she added.

The Royal College of Nursing and Unite also announced their backing of Terminate the Rate.