From telesur
Officials of the Saint Lucia-based OECS Secretariat say consumers, who are the foundation of the telecoms sector, need to have a greater say in the industry
The nine countries which make up the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), are banding together to protect consumers in the telecoms market. The grouping is also ensuring that consumers know their rights and have access to information on telecoms.

On Friday Jan. 9, 2015, the OECS Secretariat announced major plans to protect the rights of consumers in the nine-country OECS grouping. The move follows a mega-telecoms merger in 2014 and consumer concerns about a lack of competition in the market.

“We believe that our people are being side tracked into having a discussion on who is better or who is undermining who and these are not the issues because in the real world both of these institutions and all three companies are interested in one thing and that is their bottom line. The reality is the consumer does not get the benefit that they deserve,” said Anthony Severin, Officer-in-Charge at the OECS Secretariat.

Word of a protection and education campaign comes as good news for consumers, like Cindy Eugene who says the authorities need to let residents know that there is a system of protection in place for them.

“The people who are in authority if they are doing anything, they need to come out and let us know what is being done. I’m still feeling the pinch in my pocket and in terms of the competition out there, is there any competition? Because the prices are almost, basically, the same, in terms of the services that are offered?” she asked.

Castries Vendor Peter Mathurin agrees. He says what consumers need protection from most is a reduction in competition

“I believe the authorities can do more. I believe we need more competition within the small islands and within the OECS. Competition ensures big companies do not take advantage of poor people like myself and it means we can shop around and have a choice in where we spend the money we work so hard for,” he said.

The OECS Secretariat says the campaign will include an education component, which will ensure consumers across the Eastern Caribbean islands have ready access to information. Members of the public will also be part of discussion and debate on issues including mergers.
IMAGE: Telecoms satellite dishes and cell towers at Morne Fortune, Castries | Photo: teleSUR
For more on this story go to: http://www.telesurtv.net/english/news/Eastern-Caribbean-Countries-Tackle-Telecoms-Issues-20150112-0034.html