Russia cell connection fees draw scrutiny

MOSCOW, July 28 (UPI) -- Russian regulators are calling on wireless phone operators to justify their plans for connection fees for outgoing cell calls.

An official with the Federal Antimonopoly Service said his agency could order the fees abolished if it is determined they violate antitrust regulations.

The action came after Russia's leading wireless operators said they would begin charging outgoing connection fees in August. The charges do not equate to any obvious violation since none of the companies has market domination.

Deputy Director Dmitry Rutenberg told the Prime-Tass news service the information requests had been sent out and that operators had three to four weeks to respond.