Phone service interrupted in Jamaica on purpose.

[j-kid]

Originally posted by countrygrl:
[qb] Hi all:

Can anyone please say what is the problem why the circuits in Jamaica are busy today. I am trying to contact someone there but its been continuously busy all day. [/qb]

Originally posted by Green_Biscuit:
[qb] CtryGrl, you may want to start your own thread here in Technology. I don't know the answer, but I am expriencing the same problem. [/qb]

Originally posted by countrygrl:
[qb] Thanks GB.

I am on my way out of the office and just wanted a quick answer so if no action tonight I will start a thread tomorrow. I did receive a call from there a few minutes ago but am not getting through when I dial.

Very strange indeed. [/qb]

[j-kid]

Re: Phone service interrupted in Jamaica on purpose.

Originally posted by K i a:


Wed Jun 1, 2005
Phone service disorder promised
Starting Wednesday night there could be disruptions in international telephone service as several major international telecommunications companies say they will not be paying the new call levy which takes effect Wednesday.

The threat of a major service disruption represents a backlash to the decision by the government to impose the universal service levy on incoming international calls.

Officials at one local company say the problem will severely affect communications, particularly as it affects business and trade with the United States.

According to information reaching the RJR News Centre, major telephone companies in the United States say they will not pay the new levy.

As a result of the defiance by the international carriers, local providers say they will be forced to block the circuits which allow some international telephone companies to relay calls to Jamaica.

The local providers such as Digicel, Cable and Wireless and Oceanic Digital could lose their licences if they allow companies which do not pay the levy to terminate calls in Jamaica.

When contacted for a comment on the impasse, Technology Minister, Phillip Paulwell, said he would be addressing the issue when he speaks in Parliament Wednesday afternoon.

A few weeks ago the Minister hinted that the imposition of the levy would not be a big issue for the overseas companies.

The new levy, which takes effect Wednesday, requires international carriers to pay three US cents per minute on incoming international calls terminating on land lines, and two US cents on all incoming international calls terminating on cellular phones.

Minister Paulwell, who made the announcement last month, said the decision to impose the levy was made after months of negotiations with the island's three major telecommunications providers.

The minister explained that consumers will not be required to pay the levy which will be applied only to incoming international calls.

Mr. Paulwell also announced the establishment of a special purpose company, which will be responsible for collecting the one billion Jamaican dollars projected to be raised from the imposition of the charge.

The Universal Service Fund Company will be owned by the Ministry's Spectrum Management Authority which has been given responsibility to collect, manage and disburse funds for approved projects.
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