Relevant partners & stakeholders starts discussions on measures to reduce the cost of telecommunication services offered to subscribers in Seychelles
October 09, 2017
In separate meetings held recently at the Ministry of Finance, Trade and Economic Planning, representatives from the Ministry, the Department of Information Communication and Technology (DICT), the Seychelles Revenue Commission (SRC), met with Cable and Wireless Seychelles, Airtel, and Kokonet at Liberty House.
The aim of the meetings was to initiate discussions on measures to reduce the cost of telecommunication services offered to subscribers in Seychelles as part of Government’s effort to reduce the cost of living. A high quality of telecommunication service was mentioned as a precondition to sustainable development. An efficient service is also part of the “Ease of Doing Business” and one indicator, which foreign investors pay close attention.
During the course of these meetings, a number of issues were discussed including: (i) reduction in the different packages and services offered by the telecommunication companies, (ii) issue of network cables, and (iii) network coverage in locations, whereby connectivity is poor.
One of the points that came out strongly is the need to level the playing field, when it comes to exemptions and concessions for telecommunication companies. The Executives of the telecommunication companies urged the Government to adopt a fairer approach. Another issue was the proposal to review the current existing agreement that the Government has entered with the telecommunication companies.
The Minister for Finance, Trade and Economic Planning, Dr. Peter Larose suggested that the telecom companies should come up with proposals for possible trade-offs for the Government to consider. We need to make a serious effort to facilitate the existing companies in this important sector to reduce the price of their services. Minister Larose added that these meetings have opened up opportunities for us to discuss and come up with ideas and solutions for all concerned.
The meetings were chaired by the Minister for Finance, Trade and Economic Planning, Dr. Peter Larose; also present were, the Principal Secretary for Finance, Mr. Patrick Payet, Mr. Benjamin Choppy, the Principal Secretary for the Department of Information Communication and Technology, Mr. Charles Hammond, Chief Executive Officer for Cable and Wireless Seychelles, Mr. Amadou Dina, Chief Executive Officer for Airtel company, Mr. Fred Morel, Deputy Revenue Commissioner and other senior officers from the Ministry, Departments and telecommunication companies.
Discussions with the different telecom companies are part of Minister Larose’s budget speech for this year. Minister Larose insisted that there is an urgent need for the country to have a more cost-effective and efficient telecommunication system. He reiterated that this factor is important for sustainable development.