GOVERNMENT yesterday again deferred the second readings of the Telecommunications Bill and the Public Utilities Commission (Amendment) Bill in the National Assembly, in light of the fact that engagements with the two main players of the sector are still ongoing.

The Telecommunication Bill seeks to provide for an open, liberalised and competitive telecommunications sector that will be attractive to new market entrants and investors, while preserving the activities of the current sector participants.
By creating a competitive environment for telecommunications, the Bill is expected to result in greater choice, better quality of service and lower prices for consumers.
It also specifically addresses the expansion of telecommunication networks and services into unserved and underserved areas, through the institution of a new universal access/universal service programme in an effort to further national, regional, social and economic development.
The Bill consists of 95 clauses and seven sets of regulations which aim to create a new, open competitive regime, which will be fair, and to preserve the activities of the current sector participants.
The other piece of legislation, the Public Utilities Commission (Amendment) Bill, seeks to amend the Public Utilities Commission Act. The Act is necessary for an open, liberalised and competitive telecommunications sector provided for in the Telecommunications Bill of 2011, which was tabled in the National Assembly on August 4, 2011.
The PUC Act, which provides for a clear, harmonised, transparent and non-discriminatory legal regime for telecommunications, once passed, will continue to function as the economic regulator of the telecommunications sector, with responsibility for ensuring a more competitive environment.
In addition, the Commission will continue to regulate the price charged by telecommunications service providers that are capable of controlling the market, as well as enforce the quality of service provided to consumers.
Negotiation on liberalisation is the focus of the current engagements with G T & T and Digicel, as the latter has reaffirmed its call for the removal of the monopoly feature on international calls.