Business
Jamaica: Another telecoms provider – FLOW, cuts rates
Last month, telecoms provider LIME took the decision to slash call rates by up to two-thirds when it announced a reduction in cross-network rates from J$12 (US$ 0.1355) to J$6.99 (US$ 0.079) for prepaid and postpaid, while on-network rates were dropped from J$8 (US$ 0.0903) to J$2.99 (US$ 0.034) and J$1.99 (US$ 0.0225) for prepaid and postpaid, respectively. LIME said the move became possible as a result of the regulatory rate drops and a massive write-off of mobile assets allowed.
Competitor Digicel then fired back, slashing its rate to J$2.89 (US$ 0.033) per minute. Cross-network rate was reduced to J$6.99 (US$ 0.079) per minute. Digicel to LIME mobile rates were J$14.20 (US$ 0.1604) and J$1.80 (US$ 0.0203) during peak and off-peak periods, respectively, as at January 2012.
In announcing its rate reduction yesterday, Columbus Communications noted that since launching service in Jamaica six years ago, it has consistently provided consumers with cutting-edge technology that has transformed how they use the Internet, experience cable television and communicate across the landline telephone network.
The company claims it offers the fastest Internet speeds and has influenced a reduction in the cost for Internet service by over 90 percent. In addition, the company says it offers Jamaica’s only fully digital cable service with the most (more than 280) channels available.
