Irish owned regional telecoms operator, Digicel is under investigation from the TRA of the British Virgin Islands over accusations of anti-competitive behaviour.
The TRA is following up a complaint by Digicel’s primary competitor in the BVI, the…
Irish owned regional telecoms operator, Digicel is under investigation from the TRA of the British Virgin Islands over accusations of anti-competitive behaviour.
The TRA is following up a complaint by Digicel’s primary competitor in the BVI, the Caribbean Cellular Telephone company who allege anti-competitive behaviour by Digicel in call pricing and termination services to other Digicel destinations in the Caribbean.
Sarah Hayes, chief economist at the TRC said: “Whilst carrying out an investigation does not mean in itself that Digicel has breached any principle of fair competition as set out in the Telecommunications Act it is now the duty of the TRC to investigate whether such anti-competitive behaviour exists,” in a statement.
CCT complained that it would not be able to compete with Digicel’s call plans to other parts of the Caribbean, as it charges its rivals a premium price to connect with other Digicel destinations in the region, compared to the prices it charges its own customers.
The TRC will assess whether this might unfairly restrict CCT and other operator’s ability to compete for certain user segments and thereby undermine operation of fair competition and user interests. Interested parties are invited to submit comments or objections to the notice to the TRC by 22 November 2010.
Digicel had declined to comment by the time of going to press.
