PUC’s Turn: Regulator Pressed for Swift Merger Review

And, what about the role of the Public Utilities Commission in the proposed BTL/Speednet merger? By law, the PUC is the key regulator that must ensure the merger meets all legal standards, weighs its impact on competition, and protects consumers. Minister Musa says it’s now on the commission to move quickly and guide the process efficiently.

 

Kareem Musa, Area Representative, Caribbean Shores

“As the regulator it is important for them to navigate through this process very efficiently. Like you rightly said it is a situation of going back to one service provider. They seem to think based on their legal opinion, BTL that is, that they are in a firm legal standing when it comes to that. And so they do not expect any pushback or legal challenge, so that is something to consider. You are perfectly right.”

 

 

 

Reporter

“As a member of Cabinet and a politician at what point do you believe the government should take into consideration that the public does not want this?”

 

Kareem Musa

“Like I said previously I think we are going to have healthy competition, regardless it is going to be in international service providers. But, when it comes to this decision it is going to be made by the board of directors and I think they must consider all of the angles, all of the views, even though there are dissenting views that have been expressed like you said from the Chamber of Commerce, NTUCB, in coming to their final decision. It cannot just be that you just hear BTL perspectives or what they think will be profitable for the country of better for the consumers of the country. We must also factor in all of these dissenting views in coming to a decision.”