Watch those fees, keep us in business

OPERATORS of international call centres across the country have no problem paying a license fee to operate their business places, once it does not put them out of business. Several operators, who preferred to remain anonymous,  said that if the fees are too high it might  force  call centres operating in “low traffic” — areas where customer flow is minimal — to close up shop. Operators noted that a license fee of $1,000 per annum is not too bad for them to pay and noted that even small operators would be able to meet this figure, and still be able to employ persons to run the business and pay their necessary fees. On average the rental fee for the smaller businesses located in remote or “off the regular route” is in the vicinity of $1,500 to $2,000 per month, while others in areas such as City Gate pay as much as $11,000 per month in rental fees.

In addition to this, one call centre owner explained that he has ten employees and pays over $15,000 in salaries per month, plus air time must be budgeted for, and equipment maintained to ensure the highest available quality calls to International destinations. Located in one of the prime spots in the city, he  said  his business is doing well. The busiest time of the day for this centre is between 4 pm and late at night. “But then not all centres have this type of luck, and has to try to make things work on the little customers they get. These are the type of centres that would be adversely affected by any exorbitant licensing fees.” Business has been so buoyant that a Couva businessman recently took out a franchise with him. This man has a monthly rental of $2,500, four employees, and had to install certain fixtures to the place he rented.

“Imagine telling that man he has to pay an annual license fee of $2,000 or $3,000. What happens is that this man closes up shop and then you have five people out of work.” But operators have nothing to fear, said Executive Director of the Telecommunications Authority of Trinidad and Tobago, Dr John Prince. At a press conference last week, he explained that the concessions for operations of the Voice Over Internet Providers (VOIP) would not be too costly, since the Authority is mindful of the service the centres provide. He noted that the Authority’s job as regulator, is about encouraging business and not discouraging it. He also noted that the Authority would not stand in the way of something that provided affordable service to consumers, once it is done within the ambit of the law.

He noted though that the concessions are mandated by law and carries a maximum penalty of  $250,000. He went on to explain that all concessions must be handed out by January and noted that the Authority was working towards ensuring that this deadline is met. He pointed out that at present they were putting the necessary policies and guidelines in place, so that by the time the concessions are delivered the operators would be prepared. He also noted that applications would be invited for the granting of concessions. Operators state that they are looking forward to having this situation resolved so that they could continue their businesses.