Prioritise number portability, cross network charges – Flow

Broadband service provider Flow has urged the Government to move swiftly to implement local number portability and address the issue of cross network charges so that consumers can benefit from a more competitive telecommunications market.



It said the move by Minister of Energy, Mining and Information Communications Technology, Phillip Paulwell to address pressing telecoms regulations would preserve and enhance competition and would be in the best interest of consumers and businesses.



“Minister Paulwell has made the right move in making a public commitment to this process and we look forward to actions being taken in the shortest possible time,” according to a statement from Flow, quoting its president and chief operating officer Michele English.



Flow said the Government should move quickly and take concrete steps to implement local number portability as well as address the issue of cross network charges.



“It is important to ensure that Jamaican consumers can freely select their carrier of choice and also make calls between networks unimpeded by high cross network charges,” English said.



Flow also noted that while there were efforts to change regulations to enhance competition in the telecoms sector, “no mention is made on the matter of the monopoly licence held by LIME for the provision of services in the Montego Bay Free Zone.”



According to the statement, “if allowed to continue this will act as a disincentive for local and foreign investment in the call centre/business process outsourcing industry, resulting in fewer jobs and limiting the potential for prosperity for Jamaicans.”



The Flow president said “the existing licencing arrangements perpetuate a situation in the Montego Bay Free Zone that prevents potential investors from making the decision to choose Jamaica for their business operations. In the interest of the industry and successful investment promotion efforts, it is necessary that this arrangement be rescinded.”



According to English, “Flow remains committed to supporting the Government’s efforts to drive economic growth through foreign direct investment.”



She added that “our own investment in Jamaica has delivered a state of the art broadband network which is a critical factor in Jamaica’s competitiveness for attracting investment.”



business@gleanerjm.com