Lime Welcomes Changes To Telecoms Act

Acknowledging that there is still need  to review the act and its implications in detail, LIME has welcomed the amendments to the telecoms act which is a step toward giving consumers real choice while moving closer to a fully liberalised industry.

Today Parliament passed the amendments which will, among other things, give the Office of Utilities Regulations the power to set interim wholesale and retail telecommunications rates. The company says it expects the amendments to bring about a more balanced regulatory framework, correcting several of the anomalies in Jamaica’s Telecoms industry.

LIME has been advocating for changes for the last several years and views the roll out of the legislation as good for consumers and competition. “The introduction of this amended legislation is good news for consumers and will start to bring the country closer in line with other markets globally,” said Garry Sinclair, LIME’s Managing Director for Jamaica & Cayman.

“We have taken a step towards a levelling of the playing field and as soon as the regulators take the appropriate steps under the new law, providers will better be able to compete on real market issues such as price, innovation and customer service. Consequently, consumers will benefit from increased value, better products and improved service,” he added.

Mr. Sinclair is urging the authorities to act expeditiously so there is no delay in the regulator setting interim rates. “Helping consumers to realise the immediate benefit given the economic environment would be laudable and we are sure appreciated by all Jamaicans.

Similarly, Chris Dehring, Chairman of LIME Jamaica said, “We commend the Government for this move to update the industry’s regulatory framework and bring Jamaica’s telecoms market in line with what is practiced in most countries.”

“The changes to the legislation are in the best interest of the nation, consumers and other stakeholders and we at LIME look forward to vigorous competition where all the players can contend from an equal position,” Mr. Dehring added.