“We find there is usually significant input from telecoms operators, but are there service or quality issues that consumers would like to see addressed.
Are there standards of conduct that the consumer wants to see applied?” Ms. Smith said at a meeting of the Rotary Club of West Nassau recently.
Since its formation three years ago, the PUC has held four public Consultations – on wireless networks, on the modification of Cable Bahamas’ licence, on the BTC’s draft licences, and currently on BTC rates.
“We are now in the process of the prices consultation on BTC. There are certain services that we have defined as being essential that should not go too high or too low, and so we are asking for public comment on the formula that will be used to decide how those prices can be adjusted,” she said.
Ms. Smith added that the PUC anticipates upcoming public consultations on a fund to finance provision of essential services that are not profitable; and criteria for a dominant licensee.
Explaining the public consultation process, Ms. Smith said the law requires the Commission to publish its proposals on licensing procedures, types or classes of licences, licence conditions, modifications to licences, and any general instruction issued by the Commission. A reasonable period of consultation must follow to take into account any objection or suggestion made by persons affected by the proposals.
The consultation process begins when the PUC prepares a document that sets out the matter being considered along with a discussion of pertinent issues.
The consultations are advertised in the media and a deadline and address for submissions is given. Once all comments are received the commission analyses the comments and prepares a statement which summarizes the results.
“We look at those responses in the context of the Sector Policy, the Telecoms Act, and the anticipated economic impact. Then we come to a determination as to how we should position the final outcome of the matter,” she said.
Most of the PUC’s public consultations have been industry driven or industry specific in relation to what the operators or the market wants.
“But there may be conditions that the consumer thinks should apply to operators. We need those kinds of input to come from the consumer,” she added.
In addition to participating in public consultations she said consumers may also use the PUC’s consumer hotline or write in their concerns.
CONSUMERS SPEAK UP!! οΎ— In a recent address to the Rotary Club of West Nassau Judith Smith, legal advisor for the Public Utilities Commission called for more consumer involvement in the decision-making processes.
