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Why are we forced to top up credit to make calls?

Published:Saturday | June 4, 2022 | 12:06 AM

THE EDITOR, Madam:

I am writing to draw attention to the situation where Jamaicans have ample credit on their cellphones but are not able to use it.

This is because they may have topped up the credit over 21 days ago. I strongly think this is not a fair practice on the part of the mobile-service providers. This is wrong. Why can’t it be like in the UK, where, once you have sufficient credit, you can make calls until your credit is exhausted.

The mobile-service providers should not be allowed to force you to buy more credit in order to make calls.

How did this come about? These phone companies are rubbing their hands with glee. It happened to me recently. I had a $622.00 credit balance on my spare cellphone and, since I was experiencing some problems with the main phone, Iwanted to call the phone to see if calls were going through. To my surprise, I was unable to make a call because I last topped up credit more than 21 days ago.

This practice must stop. It is unfair and, as a developing country, our citizens are being ripped off. I would like to ask the powers that be what is their opinion. Do they agree with me? Why are these companies being allowed to rip people off?

I am calling on the Government to do something about this. Enough is enough. If it can be done in the UK, I am sure it can be done here too.

REG BAILEY