Throughout the project, operators have had input to the process, specifically through: • • • • • • • • a stakeholder workshop to introduce the project; individual meetings with the consultants to discuss inter alia data availability; review of the inception report; submission of data for market model; review of the market report; submission of data for cost models; review of the cost models; review of the draft final report for stakeholders, draft interconnection technical guidelines, draft costing guidelines, and draft price cap guidelines. All operators were afforded adequate opportunity to make their submissions and contribute to the study in all stages. 4. CONSIDERATION OF THE FINDINGS OF THE STUDY After reviewing the Study Report on cost based interconnection rates, the Commission concurs with the results of the study that: Involvement of Stakeholders The Commission is satisfied that all stakeholders were involved in the process of carrying out the study in a transparent manner. The Commission received written submissions from the operators and oral contributions were made during the stakeholders’ workshop held on 12th January 2007, where a number of comments were received. The LRIC Methodology The Commission is satisfied that the LRIC methodology which was used in the study is the appropriate basis for determining interconnection rates as it: reflects Modern Equivalent Costs of networks; is Forward Looking; encourages economic efficiency; and encourages new entrants to enter the market. 3