Residential customers of LIME will pay more for postpaid mobile services while both residential and business customers will have to dig deeper into their pockets for internet services come July 1. The company made this announcement yesterday.
Alex McDonald, country manager for LIME Barbados, told the DAILY NATION the time had come when the company could no longer absorb increasing costs.
He said the “price adjustment” would allow LIME to improve broadband and mobile services as part of an aggressive three-year plan.
LIME will also improve access to fixed line services to facilitate households currently on the waiting list, as well as major housing developments planned by Government, McDonald said.
Meanwhile, the Fair Trading Commission (FTC) has reiterated that it has no control over mobile phone rates.
Sandra Sealy, director of the utility regulation division, in response to queries from the DAILY NATION, said given that there was competition in the market, the FTC could not intervene in setting rates.
Instead, she said, customers can exercise their right to choose between providers.
Digicel Barbados commercial director, Alex Tasker, said that firm did not plan to increase rates.
“Our customers will continue to enjoy the best value, widest range of products and service with the best in class customer care from Digicel, the bigger, better network,” Tasker said.
LIME said its Cool, Smart and Bold mobile plans, which now cost $12, $48 and $72 respectively, will each increase by $3.
The Sharp and Connected plans will increase from $105 and $145 to $109 and $149 respectively.
Meanwhile, the Mega and Mega Plus residential internet plans, which now cost $69 and $99, will be increased by $10 each.
Mega Max customers who pay $139 will have to pay an additional $15.
In addition, businesses with Premier and Premier Plus internet plans will face an increase of $10, while Premier Max customers will pay $11 more.
