In the early 2000s the Barbados government took the decision as a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO) mandate to liberalize our telecommunication sector. For many years Cable and Wireless was the single telecom player licensed to provide services in Barbados. Cable and Wireless was the classic monopoly and raked in millions if not billions in profits since its establishment in the 19th century.
With the liberalization of the sector there was high expectation from the public that with fair competition, supported by the creation of a regulator and relevant legislation there was a new dawn. The late Prime Minister Owen Arthur as lead HoG for CSME matters was quoted in 1998 as saying – “Mr. Speaker, one of the areas of gravest deficiencies in our economic affairs is the set of arrangements in place for regulating the affairs of public utilities, and monopolies and protecting the interest of consumers and producers who have to relate to such monopolies“. It is fair to opine that nearly twenty five years later, Barbados telecoms players have NOT been able to satisfactorily monitor service standards, respond to customer complaints or guarantee affordable rates among other promises.
On a daily basis Barbadians have to complain about poor service meted out by FLOW– the latest iteration of Cable and Wireless- not to forget the other public utilities, Barbados Light & Power (BL&P), Digicel and Barbados Water Authority (BWA). In the mind of the blogmaster the inability of successive governments and regulators to expertly intervene in the domestic market to ensure optimal efficiency and effectiveness in our utilities space continues to be a concern. It should be obvious to policymakers that a fit for purpose infrastructure for our utilities to operate is a necessary plank to nurture social and economic development.
In recent weeks FLOW took a decision to increase the cost of home internet plans by about $5.00 for many customers. It also took another decision to discontinue the rollover minutes feature on some if not all plans – FLOW then increased data allotments to customers affected as a way of stemming concerns at the change in benefits. From all reports the product changes were not fairly disclosed to Barbadians. There has been no commentary from local media players to highlight the money grab policy by FLOW. Importantly, there has been no censure coming from government and the Fair Trading Commission (FTC). Ironically Prime Minister Mottley was in the news a couple weeks ago congratulating FLOW on the launch of JUMP, an initiative to deliver affordable broadband to low income households. The script from the FTC is that some telcoms services are not regulated.
In a related matter a rate request submitted by Barbados Light and Power has been mired in process and bureaucratic wrangling approaching almost one year. However, it has not escaped sensible Barbadians the FTC was surprisingly quick to approve an interim rate relief application at 50% of BL&P’s rate request. The supine approach to the job by local regulators ensure Barbadians will continue to be ‘chafed’ by the system.
The hard fact is that the buck stops with government to ensure relevant laws are on the statute books and to establish regulatory agencies able to deliver on mandates without hindrance. Government’s role is crucial given the lack of active consumer agencies in the country.
Now we know why so many opt to be cynical. Is there good reason to keep hope alive?
Yes readers, I too have been caught in this dastardly “upgrade” scam by FLOW. Without warning, my bill was increased, requiring a trip to Walmer Lodge for clarification. This was necessary as the WhatsApp helpline is a verbal kaleidoscope of mixed messaging, long waits, and conflicting information. The result of this visit is that my package no longer has rollover minutes for data that is grossly overloaded, with data that cannot be consumed by me and my family, even if we logged on for twenty-four hours a day for an entire month. Adjusting the package downward would cause us to lose an immense amount of data, television channels, and up/download speed, with only a minor reduction in cost. Very cleverly manipulated by FLOW. This package came with a promise of the availability of television channels on mobile data that is yet to materialize after three years of promises.
And don’t start me on the twelve bundled religious channels and just as many dedicated to sport, which are of no interest to me, but MUST be included and paid for by the consumer. This reminds me of the days in the past when street vendors in Busby’s Alley had to be legislated against for requiring purchases of yams to buy potatoes or tomatoes.
If our various governments are unable to manage a simple thing like ZR regulation and adherence, how can we reasonably expect them to regulate telecommunication, water, and electricity? Our new motto should be “Little results make many hands unnecessary”!
@FearPlay
The other thing you might have picked up is that MyFlow’s self care app features do not work as advertised, the FTC should have a say as far as truth in promotion is concerned.
FearPlay has said it all.
The only thing that Bushie would add is that what we should do is to highlight those complicit INDIVIDUALS who accept positions on these various commissions, for a little stipend, when they KNOW that they are totally incompetent and clueless. And even if they have a clue, they have NOT the balls needed to defend citizens against these international pirates.
Who are these commissioners?
What are their competencies?
What have they ever done successfully?
….or are they chosen to be rubber stamps?
How can a utility just decide to increase base rates without a Rate Hearing?
Is there not a Law that requires this?
Or are our Laws just there to impress the IMF that we punch above our level of competency?
Steupssss!!
Most start from the beginning and work forward. Not liking the final answer, the go back to the beginning and start to work forward again.
Well I am going to give you the final answer. Work backwards and see how it all fits perfectly.
The foundation of every proposal is to shift money from one pocket (yours) to a next.
You can go along with the old talk, long talk and fancy dialogue but accept this. It is all a scam.
Don’t get caught up with numbers, committees, digitization, etc… Someone will get rich, not you; you will get scammed.
That’s all you are. You are an easy mark, a victim, prey and a purse for some. There will be no recovery until you accept that fact. You are a con man’s delight
Most start from the beginning and work forward. Not liking the final answer, they go back to the beginning and start to work forward again.
Well I am going to give you the final answer. Work backwards and see how it all fits perfectly.
The foundation of every proposal is to shift money from one pocket (yours) to a next.
You can go along with the old talk, long talk and fancy dialogue but accept this. It is all a scam.
Don’t get caught up with numbers, committees, digitization, etc… Someone will get rich, not you; you will get scammed.
That’s all you are. You are an easy mark, a victim, prey and a purse for some. There will be no recovery until you accept that fact. You are a con man’s delight
How can you writ-off billions and then act like you my win the lottery when the IMF gives you a few millions.
The maths does not add up. A big tipper with mauby pockets.
“In recent weeks FLOW took a decision to increase the cost of home internet plans by about $5.00 for many customers. It also took another decision to discontinue the rollover minutes feature on some if not all plans – FLOW then increased data allotments to customers affected as a way of stemming concerns at the change in benefits. From all reports the product changes were not fairly disclosed to Barbadians.”
@ David
To be fair, FTC only responsible for regulating LAND LINE telephone services…… not Internet or mobile services.
The Minister has to formulate the relevant legislation authorising the Commission to regulate those services.
Also, if you were to thoroughly read the service agreement between FLOW and the customer, therein is a clause indicating FLOW can ‘arbitrarily’ raise its mobile or Internet rates, without prior notice, something which the customer ‘inadvertently’ agrees to, when he/she signs the contract.
As it relates to the ‘roll over minutes,’ you may be aware that FLOW mobile customers can switch to Digicel, while retaining their number.
I understand that, under those circumstances, minutes from FLOW will not be ‘rolled over’ to Digicel.
@Artax
The blogmaster is well aware what the mice print says. The thrust of the article is not meant to be fair to FLOW, it is to ask the authorities to represent the consumer fairly. While FLOW can arbitrarily raise mobile and internet rates telecoms have an obligation to adequately disclose charges made to customers. Do we still have landlines? Aren’t landlines dependent on broadband service?
@ David
As I have mentioned on several occasions, I believe what Barbados also needs is a vibrant consumer organisation that is free of any political association.
Recall Malcolm Gibbs-Taitt was a regular caller to the ‘call in programmes’ and his consumer body was viewed as being pro BLP.
A DLP affiliated consumer body was subsequently formed, but, as is said in Bajan parlance, it ‘died a sudden death.’
@Artax
You mean the one promoted by Maureen Holder?
“The thrust of the article is not meant to be fair to FLOW……”
@ David
I never mentioned anything to suggest you, or anyone, SHOULD be FAIR to FLOW.
All I am ‘saying’ is that, although I agree “telecoms have an obligation to adequately disclose charges made to customers,” their argument is they don’t have to, because customers agreed to those terms when they signed the service agreements.
Therein lies, ‘for want of a better phrase,’ the ‘legal technicality.’
The FTC Act stipulates there shouldn’t be any imbalances between the service provider and customer.
The Commission cannot act beyond its scope of authority.
Ask yourself why successive political administrations/Ministers have not formulated the relevant legislation to widen FTC’s scope.
“Drawbacks?”
@Artax
This is the point. Why are all of our regulators designed to be supine.
@ David
Yes.
Maureen used to promote it when she was a call-in programme moderator.
I think she had members of its hierarchy as guests on CBC’s ‘Talk yuh Talk.’
$39.55 per month
We said we’d upgrade your service, and we did! Here’s how:
WE UPGRADED YOUR DATA BUCKET.
You now have Freedom & Nationwide Data to use across Canada, at no additional cost!* This is one of the latest ways we continue to drive affordability for Canadians. Don’t forget to make sure Nationwide is enabled in your phone settings and MyAccount.
Maybe it is competition that makes companies in Canada work for market share to the benefit of the consumer.
…or maybe it is that the Law in Canada actually MEANS something.
In a banana republic, why would a company bother to compete for customer patronage – when they can gang up with the regulators and the authorities to fleece their donkeys?
wight people band
More Kadooment
David, although Barbados has the relevant regulatory systems, more often than not, we operate in a ‘sporty environment.’ The former CEO of the Financial Services Commision is employed in an executive position at an insurance company, he was responsible for regulating. Government financial management systems in place, yet every year the Auditor General highlights non-compliant SOEs, government and quasi departments. It seems to be a ‘monumental task’ for NHC, BRA and NIS to collect rent, taxes and NIS contributions respectively.
You have an error with the FTC list???
Did the chairman not step down after social media allegations that the person was actually an Emera contracted employee?
Did the deputy not take over?
@Bush Tea
That decision affected current rate review case only?
David, I realise we are quick to discuss socio-political issues in Canada, Europe, UK, USA etc. However, are you aware of some very developments occurring in the African countries of Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso? If so, are you going to present an article to initiate a discussion?
@Artax
The average Barbadian is blissfully unaware of news occurring in Africa.
“The average Barbadian is blissfully unaware of news occurring in Africa.”
Here’s a deeper question to ponder pon for the “average” Barbadian in the vicinity of the http://www.world.wide.web.net
Is the typical African Barbadian who always moans and groans about the state of Barbados positive or negative, spreading good or bad vibrations?
It reminds me of
☀️ and ⛈️
Bob Marley Wisdom
“Some people feel the rain others just get wet”
“When the morning gathers the rainbow. Want you to know I’m a rainbow too. So to the rescue, here I am.”
“Sun is shining, the weather is sweet. Make you want to move your dancing feet. To the rescue, here I am. Want you to know, you all, where I stand”
Short answer:
Barbados was created out of negative energy…maintained as negative energy by the ignorant, mis and undereducated for the last hundred years…and that’s exactly how it will end, if not REDEFINED..
Apart hide in plain sight at the front leading the 90%
Blue vex
Only in babadus eh
canada no better maybe worse,among highest cell and internet rates on the planet,lots of gobbleyspeak from elected officials,our federal cabinet completely inept,no experience in their allotted positions.it goes on and on.sad
@Bush Tea
That decision affected current rate review case only?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
So let us understand this…
The substantive chairman thought it prudent to step away from the Rate Hearing Commission, as a result of strong social media accusations that she effectively was an ‘Emera agent’ through her legal firm…
HOWEVER, no one sees any problem with her continuing as FTC chair and overseeing ALL kinds of regulatory matters requiring ‘independent’ decisions that take PUBLIC interest seriously vs Emera’s?
Who the Hell appoints these people to these positions?
…and what ETHICAL underpinning is at play here..?
Shiite!! no wonder the various NIS Boards have been such embarrassing jokers. But this seems to be the PLAN…
NOTE THAT THESE jokers CONTINUE TO ENJOY great official confidence…
That we could support Stinkliar for a top UN post should tell us EVERYTHING…
@Bush Tea
Chair Tammy is a partner in George Walton’s chamber where AG Marshall was a partner as well?
Well Well Well
This is what must be termed institutionalized wickedness…
Source: Nation
“average Barbadian is blissfully unaware of news occurring in Africa”
perhaps there is a gap in the market to provide a brief intro to current events from a different perspective to western media..
.. the current Barbados leader is BFF with Macron, who’s post colonial interests in Africa has been threatened in Niger and there are rumours that he is is rounding up a French-backed invasion force with West African countries to fight against the military coup..
France’s intelligence / spies predictions were unaware of any military coup in Niger but were aware and predicted the recent military coup attempted in Russia (perhaps it was inside knowledge).
Niger supplies 10% of the Uranium for France’s nuclear reactors.