Phillip Paulwell (left), Minister of Commerce, Science and Technology, makes a point during a Cable and Wireless Jamaica (C&WJ) press briefing on August 31, at which C&WJ announced a single national rate for fixed-line to fixed-line calls. Looking on are C&WJ president and CEO, Rodney Davis (centre), and vice-president of residential services, Evan Garricks. - JUNIOR DOWIE/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
THE OPPOSITION Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) has cited Minister of Commerce, Science and Technology Phillip Paulwell's presence at a recent Cable & Wireless press conference as "irresponsible" ministerial behaviour.
The press conference was called by the telephone giant to announce the replacement of a two-tiered pricing system with a single pricing mechanism for landline calls, which becomes effective October 1, this year.
The minister, however, defended his action by saying he was identifying with local consumers when he attended.
"The significance of my presence was the announcement of a uniform rate across Jamaica which is something I've been supporting for some time," Mr. Paulwell explained to The Gleaner.
But, he was apologetic: "Based on the interpretations given by the JLP and the press, I would not have gone," he said.
Questioned on Monday as to the appropriateness of Mr. Paulwell's presence at the Cable & Wireless press conference, Prime Minister P.J. Patterson said that had he had prior knowledge that Mr. Paulwell was to attend the press conference, he would have advised him not to go.
FLAT RATE
The new pricing system will see consumers paying 90 cents a minute during peak hours for fixed-line to fixed-line calls. They will pay 60 cents a minute for calls made during off-peak hours.
However, many view the new system as a significant rate increase for consumers who mostly make calls within their respective parishes.
In contrast, Mr. Paulwell believes there are many consumers who would benefit from the announcement.
"It has special significance for Internet service providers (ISPs) across Jamaica because it will result in the lowering of cost for them to provide service," the minister stated.
Before the announcement, Mr. Paulwell said ISPs were forced to inject a lot of capital outlay to set up special points of presence in each parish. But now, he noted, ISPs would no longer need to have this presence and would, therefore, enable them to lower their costs to consumers and become more competitive.
"It was an excellent move to have one single rate," Mr. Paulwell emphasised. "That to me is far more important to support than any issue relating to the price of voice service."
He added that the Office of Utilities Regulation sets a benchmark rate for telephone increases and that the recent telephone rate increase, due to the single pricing system, fell within that benchmark.
