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Digicel hits back at TBI in long distance saga

TBI president Greg Swan

Digicel yesterday blasted TBI President Greg Swan for calling on Government to act against Digicel after the company relaunched long distance service.In a statement Digicel accused Mr. Swan of “seeking to unilaterally dictate to the Government of Bermuda, through the media, how Government should conduct their business”.The highly personal statement went on to say: “Digicel would remind Mr Swan that he is no longer the Director of Telecommunications and that does not have a role in dictating or framing Government policy or activity.“Mr Swan is not entitled to peremptorily demand, in the manner of a spoilt child, how Government should protect his company’s commercial interests at all costs to the exclusion of all other considerations.“Digicel would also remind Mr. Swan that TeleBermuda was offered the opportunity to give a cross-undertaking as to damages to the Supreme Court last week if they wished to prevent Digicel/Transact from relaunching ILD.“TeleBermuda, represented in Court by Mr Swan, expressly refused to do so. In essence, TeleBermuda refused to put their money where their mouth is. TeleBermuda seem to prefer to do their talking in the press - a much cheaper option.“Digicel is contented to note that the Government of Bermuda has not allowed itself to be used as a proxy for TeleBermuda and their commercial interests.”Mr Swan said of Digicel’s attack: “I will not dignify this with a response.”Digicel and sister company Transact also called on TBI to disclose whether they have threatened legal action, directly or indirectly, against the Government.“Digicel believes that the Bermudian public would be well served by a full and frank disclosure by TeleBermuda of all of its private activities in this regard,” Digicel said.“TeleBermuda has a very significant head start over Digicel in the market for international calls. They should not be afraid of some new competition. “Stop whining TeleBermuda and do your fighting where it matters; in the marketplace.”Government on Wednesday said it planned to refer the dispute over Digicel long distance to the Telecommunications Commission.A Government spokesperson said the Commission will decide whether the Digicel/Transact service is in compliance with the terms of its licences.