Telecom operators ask for more time

December 02, 2007 10:55:56 PM

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Fiji's interim Communications Minister Taito Waradi today confirmed that telecom operators have requested more time to enable them to conduct their internal processes regarding the Radisson Telecom Accord.

The accord, which would pave the way for the deregulation of Fiji's telecom mark, was to have been formalised tomorrow in a Cabinet meeting (the last of this year) but telecom operators are still not ready with their endorsements from their respective boards.

Waradi today said they have been holdings discussions with the telecom operators and was aware that they (the operators) would have to provide details of the accord in terms of current and future business to their boards.

He said the industry was expected to complete their consultations by the end of the week.

Last week, Amalgamated Telecom Holdings Ltd acting chief executive Tomasi Vakatora had said that tomorrow might be too early, as there were still meetings scheduled after that.

The accord was signed on November 20, 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 liberalisation of markets in the telecommunications and ICT sector.

Under the terms of the accord, signed by all the stakeholders, the telecom operators were supposed to have gone back and received the endorsement by their respective boards.

A special Cabinet was called last week Tuesday for the endorsement of the accord but was deferred to tomorrow after the telecom operators failed to come back with their endorsements from their respective boards.

The boards are still meeting.

Earlier Vakatora had said that they were doing their best and had pointed out that there were processes to follow.

"These are serious matters, we can't ignore or shortcut 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," he said.

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 TFL, Vodafone Fiji Limited, FNTEL and ATH participated in the mediation over four days, starting Friday 16.

The talks were facilitated by World Bank-appointed mediators.