LICENSING CONDITIONS IN THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS

UNCLAS KINGSTON 001598 SIPDIS STATE FOR WHA/CAR (WBENT),EB/CIP (FINTON) US Trade Representative FOR (MCHALE, NEUREITER) E.O. 12958: NA TAGS: ECPS ETRD JM SUBJECT: LICENSING CONDITIONS IN THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS SECTOR REF: STATE 114687 ¶1. On June 23, Econoff spoke with Maurice Charvis, Director of Research and Analysis at the Office of Utilities Regulation (OUR). He provided the following answers to the questions posed in reftel. ¶2. Jamaica does not assess any fees in connection with licensing fixed line services in excess of what is necessary to cover administrative costs. Administrative costs are covered by a fee of JD 65,000 (USD 1,055). ¶3. Jamaica does not impose any capitalization or bonding requirements for fixed line services, though the OUR is presently discussing whether or not this should be a requirement. The OUR has received complaints from angry consumers whose prepaid calling cards have been made worthless when the issuing company goes out of business. 4 Jamaica does not impose any build-out investment requirements for fixed line services. TIGHE