Can't remember the number? You might think twice now before calling directory assistance.The Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority(URCA)has officially approved a 35-cent charge every time someone uses the service. The request, logged by the Bahamas Telecommunications Company(BTC), went into public consultation proceedings back in September 2011.
After months of consideration and feedback, the first three calls from fixed lines and mobile phones will be free. Calls after that will be charged the 35 cents.
Inquiries from payphones are free of charge, according to the report.
BTC is also required to maintain a current online telephone directory that is complementary to anyone with an internet connection.
While the move has been met with some criticism, URCA ultimately decided the additional charge is in line with international standards.
"URCA wishes it to be stated that, with the advent of telecommunications deregulation in most, if not all the European Union, Canada and the USA, directory assistance via mobile and fixed lines has become a chargeable value-added service,"the report stated.
URCA was more or less satisfied with BTC's request, although it did"take issue"with the company's assertion that it was"forced"to impose the charge.
Instead, it recommended that this statement be revised to say the charge is designed "to ensure that an efficient competitor could offer similar services in direct competition with BTC".
Indeed, the door was left open for competition in the market, as BTCâEUR^must include information on downstream costs from providing the service in its annual accounting submission to URCA.
Not everyone was in agreement with the added 35-cent charge, however.
The report noted, in its response from the public, that there is concern the fee could impact local businesses "whose employees will continue to utilize the service willy-nilly".
The proposed price may seem insignificant for residential customers, but it may increase the cost of doing business, the respondent said. Another critic felt, in these tough times, any additional charges are unwelcomed news for businesses and consumers alike.
URCA acknowledged these concerns, but based on household data, it found that the average Bahamian makes use of the service 1.2 times each month.
In fact, according to URCA, just one in every three mobile subscribers uses directory assistance each month.
It felt "reasonably satisfied" that the three free uses of the service should sufficiently cover residents and businesses alike from any major financial impact.
Click here to read more at The Nassau Guardian
