ONE of the biggest benefits that has come out of the merger between Telikom PNG Limited and PNG DataCo Limited is that Internet Service Providers (ISP) will now access both merged entities at a cheaper rate. This is according to the Independent Consumer and Competition Commission Commissioner and chief executive officer Paulus Ain. He told Post-Courier this means that the cheaper rate will translate into internet service providers reducing the internet prices “For consumers who are now paying more we are expecting that over time as soon as they consolidate them into one strong position, to see the prices dropping,” said Mr Ain.
He said the benefits to the consumers will be faster internet and cheaper not only in Port Moresby . The ICCC is expecting to see it roll out to outside provinces and districts. “If we do not allow them to merge then Telikom will still struggle and some of the players in the market will raise the cost of internet usage, of which can be excessive and nothning short of cheating the people,” said Mr Ain. He reiterated that people every day complain about data missing, competition is now coming and the final result and benefits for consumers will be faster internet, cheaper and available to everyone. “With this two merged businesses, we are expecting quality to improve and over time people will be paying at a cheaper rate,” said Mr Ain. He added that the two entities are the biggest players with one being the retailer and the other as a wholesaler. The merger means they will be strong enough to give benefits to consumers. “We will continuously monitor the progress of this merger and if we see in the future the merged entities behaving anti-competitively in the market, then that’s when we will intervene immediately,” he said. According to Mr Ain, the authorisation process is required to authorise acquisition and which have the greater benefit to the consumers. He clarified that if the benefit to the consumers are large, then they (ICCC) will authorise them to proceed for the benefit of everyone (consumers). Post Courier/PNGfacts Next : Digital Economya factor of Job creation in PNG : Abel Comments are closed.
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