PURA Clarifies to Avoid Confusion in GSM Market

• Posted by Modou S. Joof on April 5, 2010 at 9:30pm
• View Modou S. Joof's blog

Banjul, The Gambia (TNBES) The Public Utility Regulatory Authority has announced that it want to clarify the recent QCell advert published on the Daily Observer and Today Newspapers on 24^th March, 2010, comparing the tariffs of Africell and QCell.

In a press realise, PURA said the same advertisement placed on a billboard at the traffic lights on Kairaba Avenue, Bertil Harding Highway intersection was not sanctioned by the Regulatory Authority.

For the sake of complete clarity and the avoidance of doubt and confusion in the market, the release said PURA wishes to inform the general public that it has published the telephone tariffs of all the operators from
March 22, 2010. “This is what we have done for more than a year to inform consumers,” the Regulatory Body said.

The release added that PURA hopes that the tariff information it publishes will facilitate consumer choice as to which operator they use based on cost, quality of service or otherwise. PURA also said that it
wishes to ensure all its stakeholders that it will continue to strive towards
equity in development and maintain a market environment that is competitive but
fair.

In a press briefing on 24^th March 2010, did not refute the advert in question but expresses concern that the advert which carries a banner headline saying “FINAL VERDICT” did not bear the logo of the
advertiser and contained the name of PURA.

It could possibly give the wrong impression that the advert is being made by PURA and could undermine the impartial stance of PURA which is essential for the authority to carry out its mandate effectively, PURA’s Senior Manager for Public and International Affairs, Mustapha Alex Dacosta told journalists. VOL:2 ISSN:145