FLOW increases rates

Yesterday, customers of telecommunications company, FLOW, were hit with a price increase for a number of its products. In an advisory, customers were informed that effective June 1, rates will increased for some of its cable, telephone and Internet services.

FLOW said the price adjustment would only affect its non-advanced, video-service customers who subscribe to the Watch Starter and add-on packages, as well as customers with broadband and telephone services.

Customers will pay increases ranging from $25 to $1,104.

The advisory said the increase comes after "careful consideration" and "could not be avoided", pointing out that the last increase took place in 2013.

In addition, FLOW said it was faced with rising operating costs, particularly a 12 per cent devaluation of the Jamaican dollar over the last two years against the benchmark United States currency. It explained that the devaluation has caused "direct and significant impact" on its business, as it incurred 80 to 90 per cent of its costs in US dollars.

According to the company, it has kept price adjustments below the national inflation rate despite the competitive business and economic environment.

Bought by Cable and Wireless

In March, Cable and Wireless Communications, operators of LIME in Jamaica, completed its purchase of Columbus International Inc, operators of FLOW in the region. Last week, Cable and Wireless announced that LIME will adopt the name FLOW.

In April, the country's 49 cable operators were directed by the Broadcasting Commission to cease the illegal transmission of approximately 98 channels, as they were in breach of United States intellectual property rights.

By May 31, 19 channels are to be removed, while the others would be removed over a phased-basis.