Privatization of B.T.C.
Posted by Jacqueline Longley
The government is committed to privatizing B.T.C. because it is critical for Bahamians to receive a standard of telecommunications service that is second to none, efficient and cost effective", according to Julian Francis (Chairman of B.T.C.).
According to Mr. Francis, "In March of 2008 the government appointed a privatization committee to determine how to proceed with the sale of B.T.C. The decision to privatize B.T.C comes as a direct result of the need to raise the bar with respect to telecommunication service in the Bahamas. It is critical for Bahamians to receive a standard of telecommunications service that is second to none, efficient and cost effective. The challenge for B.T.C. has been its inability to compete by being an independent provider. Also, it is recognized that governments usually do not perform well as a business operator. Over the past few months the executive team of B.T.C. has worked together with consultants to produce the information necessary for potential buyers. Also, the government is overseeing the drafting of legislation and policy with respect to telecommunication services in the Bahamas. B.T.C. is now ready and the government is committed to ensure that it is privatized by year-end if possible. B.T.C. suffers from a lack of competition therefore it is the government's intention to allow other competitors to provide telecommunication services for Bahamians. One year after the sale of B.T.C the government will grant licenses for two other companies to provide mobile services. However, fixed line services will be liberalized to run concurrently with the sale of B.T.C.