More documents needed before PUC grants request to increase landline charges

GTT is sent once again to produce additional documents in support of their claims as to why it is necessary for the company to increase charges for landline services by the Public Utilities Commission (PUC).

Representatives including the CEO of GTT; the company which holds the current monopoly for landline service on Wednesday appeared once again before the PUC.

GTT’s consultant Gene Evelyn during the hearing attempted to once again convince the four-member commission that the increase is long overdue.

But the Commission’s Chair, Justice PremPersaud said the request cannot be granted because GTT cannot properly explain its position as to how the landline consumers’ services will be improved among other areas.

Meanwhile, the Guyana Consumers Association (GCA), Secretary General also questioned GTT claims that there is a decline in the usage of the landline phones, highlighting the fact that the company has done little to market the service.

The GCA, as part of a submission to the PUC, is calling for a forensic audit of GTT accounts so as to break the deadlock between the Commission and phone company.

GTT have until December 21 to provide the Commission with an updated cost module summary and respond to the concerns of the Association.

Once GTT files its documents, the Commission will convene another public hearing on January 16 next year.

In 2014, GTT filed an application to raise domestic rates for some of its services, however, the Commission had rejected the application last year.

Earlier this year the applied to the Commission for the order to be reviewed in keeping with Section 77 of the Public Utility Commission Act in addition to seeking to have temporary rates approved in order to secure some amount of relief.