Dear Editor,
Cable and Wireless's merger with Columbus (Flow) will give control of the island's fibre and Internet connectivity with the rest of the world to one company, which will essentially have a monopoly over fixed line, fixed broadband, and subscriber television services in Jamaica. The Government approved the creation of this telecommunications monopoly with lightning speed. It was surprising to see that Minister Phillip Paulwell gave his nod to this deal in just two months.
Some customers might think that this merger is a good thing, but a monopolistic environment usually allows for higher prices. It also gives the sole provider the ability to withhold or limit key telecommunications services.
The Government now needs to see how quickly it can put in place regulations for these services, so that prices do not go up and service quality does not go down.
Marlon Powell
Southfield, St Elizabeth
marlonpowelljm@gmail.com
How quickly the Gov't has recreated a telecoms monopoly?
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Cable and Wireless's merger with Columbus (Flow) will give control of the island's fibre and Internet connectivity with the rest of the world to one company, which will essentially have a monopoly over fixed line, fixed broadband, and subscriber television services in Jamaica. The Government approved the creation of this telecommunications monopoly with lightning speed. It was surprising to see that Minister Phillip Paulwell gave his nod to this deal in just two months.
Some customers might think that this merger is a good thing, but a monopolistic environment usually allows for higher prices. It also gives the sole provider the ability to withhold or limit key telecommunications services.
The Government now needs to see how quickly it can put in place regulations for these services, so that prices do not go up and service quality does not go down.
Marlon Powell
Southfield, St Elizabeth
marlonpowelljm@gmail.com
How quickly the Gov't has recreated a telecoms monopoly?
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