Price Caps or Regulation? PUC Explains

There’s been growing talk in recent weeks about a new statutory instrument aimed at capping telecom prices and protecting consumers, but is it really needed? Especially when the Public Utilities Commission is already taking a close look at market dominance in the sector and exploring other regulatory options. On Tuesday, we put that very question to the commission, and tonight, we’re sharing what they had to say.

 

Stacy Grinage, Internal Legal Counsel, PUC

“Under section twenty-six of the Belize Telecommunications Act, it clearly states that the PUC may make regulations to implement rates where the situation arises where there is a sole provider or a dominant provider. What we are doing here is the initial consultation process in determining a dominant provider. As currently is, what exist is that we have many licenses but we still do have the two individual licenses operating in the market.”

 

Abraham Teck, Director of Regulated Services, PUC

“Market share is only one of the factors you need to consider. If you go back to section two-three, you will see that you need to consider other factors. So, I can’t speak on the prime minister. Our exercise is an independent exercise that looks at market share as one and other areas.”

 

Reporter

“So, it sounds like the act is just fine on its own. Why is an SI necessary?”

 

Abraham Teck

“Some of the remedies that can be implemented will require for an S.I to be generated. Not necessarily in all the cases.”