LIME calls for telecoms changes

“We are asking the Government to take this action – with extreme alacrity – in the interest of Jamaican consumers as well as all current and any future telecoms service providers,” the company said in a release yesterday.

 

LIME’s statement comes against the background of Digicel’s announcement to shut down Claro in just over a month as part of the complete takeover of that company. This was made possible by the removal of conditions that kept the two companies operating separately despite being merged.

 

“We believe that Mr Holness’ removal of this critical condition, without the passing of the emergency legislation to safeguard the industry, has grave implications for the future of Jamaica’s telecommunications industry. This move grants Digicel a free ride considering that virtually the same token and wholly inadequate rate change already condemned as ‘unimpressive’ was subsequently accepted by Mr Holness and, in our opinion, this is tantamount to a betrayal of the Jamaican consumers who are desperately seeking relief in this harsh economic climate,” the release read.