Chebat Responds as GOB Moves to Freeze Telecom Rates Amid Buyout Questions

And tonight, we’re learning more about that proposed Statutory Instrument tied to the telecom shake‑up. Public Utilities Minister Michel Chebat weighed in today after the Prime Minister revealed that the S.I. would freeze telecom rates during the transition period. But that brings us to the central question: does drafting an S.I. mean the government is backing the consolidation, and that the buyout is basically a done deal? We put that to Minister Chebat.

 

Michel Chebat, Minister of Public Utilities

“Well it was a Cabinet meeting so we had to deal with government business and as you know BTL came in to do their presentation this afternoon.”

 

Shane Williams

“What was the presentation like?”

 

Michel Chebat

“I think it was a thorough presentation. As you know Cabinet has not been briefed and so we welcomed this presentation today.”

 

Shane Williams

“Did the information help Cabinet to make a position?”

 

Michel Chebat

“Well Cabinet has not made a position. We are waiting for the process to take place. We understand there are some consultations going on and we want to allow that to happen first.”

 

Shane Williams

“Tell us about this S.I. that the prime minister spoke about.”

 

Michel Chebat

“The PUC is preparing an SI which will be sent to the Attorney General before it comes to Cabinet. That is to ensure that things like, there is a transitional period. During that period rates will not be raised, bundles with not be changed. Subscribers will not be allowed to be moved from one rate to another unless they specifically require it or something like that.”

 

Shane Williams

“Transitional period means something changes. What is the change anticipated?”

 

Michel Chebat

“Well it is anticipated, as you may have heard in the media, there is a proposal to consolidate the telephone companies.”

 

Shane Williams

“But making an S.I. sounds lie government has made a decision to move forward.”

 

Michel Chebat

“Not at all, as the regulator I think PUC has to prepare for every eventuality and I think it is out there in the public. It is being discussed.”