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The Radisson Telecom Accord, which would pave the way for the deregulation of Fiji's telecom mark, looks unlikely to be formalized next Tuesday with telecom operators still not ready with endorsements from their respective boards.
Amalgamated Telecom Holdings Ltd acting chief executive Tomasi Vakatora says next Tuesday (Cabinet meet) might be too early, as there are still meetings scheduled after that.
The accord was signed on 20 November, following negotiations between all parties concerned (Government and the three telecom operators, Vodafone Fiji Limited, Telecom Fiji Limited and FINTEL) on outstanding issues emanating from the liberalization of markets in the telecommunications and ICT sector.
A special Cabinet was called on Tuesday (this week) for the endorsement of the accord.
But it was deferred to Tuesday next week after the telecom operators failed to come back with the endorsement of the accord, dubbed the Radisson Telecom Accord, from their respective boards.
Says Vakatora: “We are doing our best. There are processes to follow. These are serious matters, we can’t ignore or short cut them. We can’t fast track these things because the directors need to get the comfort of professional advice before they make a final decision.”
But he assures that it is in process. “We will get their eventually. Before Christmas there should be some finality to this.”
He said the directors have to ensure that they act in the interest of the company and the shareholders.
The Government, directors and management of Telecom Fiji Limited, Vodafone Fiji Limited, Fiji International Telecommunications Limited and Amalgamated Telecom Holdings Limited participated in a mediation over four days, starting Friday 16.
The talks were facilitated by World Bank-appointed mediators.
