UK's three largest mobile operators score own goal in termination rates row However, the CAT said that Ofcom had not gone far enough, and ruled that the charges should be ratcheted down over three years instead of four, accelerating the damage to the operators' profits. Vodafone said on Tuesday that the "deep cuts" stand to harm consumers rather than protect them, because mobile operators will bolster their profits by withdrawing subsidies for pay as you go services: "Drastic cuts in MTRs would disenfranchise many consumers." It also accused fixed line operators of "pocketing" the saving instead of passing it on to consumers. The disadvantaged telcos could appeal, but that would require a judicial review.