Poor subsidising rich on TSTT

THE EDITOR: It is unfortunate that TSTT has chosen to quick fix the problem of competition from the overseas calling centres in such a reckless manner. As reported, overseas rates, though slashed, do not constitute the only revenue source for TSTT. They have a captive clientele in the monopoly they now enjoy on local land line calls. Now, as announced, local householders and businesses must effectively finance the shortfall in the company’s revenue by paying more for local calls. Effectively TSTT is forcing the poor to subsidise the rich few who regularly make overseas calls from their homes or offices. In penalising householders and businesses for making local calls, will the desired effect of shutting down the call centres be realised? One wonders what research was conducted before such draconian steps were instituted. Did anyone consider that the folks that make calls at these centres might not have access to a landline in the first instance? If not, are they really taking away revenue from TSTT?

The apparent failure to lure these “customers” by previously making cheap overseas rates available only via TSTT’s public phone booths, did little to dampen TSTT’s desire to capture this “market.” Now, if these call centre entrepreneurs are destroyed, will TSTT be able to convert their customers into a revenue stream for themselves? One awaits the howl of protest before the inevitable silencing of subscribers who will inevitably be disconnected for non-payment due to burdensome local charges. Why must TSTT squander their remaining goodwill by treating the public so badly? Further, if these targetted customers evaporate or go back into the woodwork when the call centres are put out of business, the TSTT victory might well prove to be Pyrrhic, as they brace for the backlash from the feedback that will eventually reach those that decide on national policy.

MICHAEL RAHMAN
Woodbrook