Argentineans protest higher wireless rates

Argentina’s consumer associations are calling on wireless subscribers to turn off their handsets for an hour on Aug. 21 to protest rate hikes by two of the country’s network operators, TeleGeography CommsUpdate reported.

Telefonica raised its rates by 15 percent, while Telecom Argentina plans to increase prices by 20 percent iin October.

Media reports in the country indicate the adjustments mean that Telefonica's rates have climbed 32 percent in 2010, and Telecom Argentina’s will have climbed 44 percent.

The two companies control approximately two-thirds of the country’s subscriber market at the end of June 2010.