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Dept of Trade and Industry

Answer

Mr. Nicholas Winterton: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) what representations he has received regarding using the Gibraltar international direct dialling code prefix 350; [156129] (2) if he will make a statement on the arrangement set in place to handle internationally dialled telephone calls to Gibraltar using the Gibraltar international direct dialling code prefix 350; [156133] (3) what representations he has made to the European Commission regarding the handling of internationally dialled telephone calls routed through Spain and destined for Gibraltar. [156130] Ms Hewitt: We remain deeply concerned about the unsatisfactory situation of telecommunications services in Gibraltar. Spain does not recognise Gibraltar's international direct dialling code (350). This code is however recognised by every other country in the world. The Government of Gibraltar have brought to our attention the increasing problem of international calls from countries other than Spain failing to reach their destination in Gibraltar. Some calls from third countries are diverted via Spain by Lease Cost Routing technology, in order to reduce costs. We are working hard to ascertain the exact cause of the problem of dropped calls, and to identify the best way forward. There are a number of possible technical and commercial considerations which need to be examined. We have drawn the situation to the attention of both the Spanish Government and the Commission, and will pursue the problem as a matter of urgency.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

366 c305W; 156129;156133;156130

Session

2000-01

Subjects

Gibraltar Telecommunications Telephones

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk