The Tribune

EDITOR, The Tribune.

Most countries have assigned price controls to the trash heap of history, but not The Bahamas, at least where URCA is concerned.

Even if the law gives them the authority to do so, it boggles the mind that the Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority (URCA) would see fit to set prices for the local cable company. Even judges balk if they are not allowed discretion.

Should the cable company be over charging for their services the consumer will find a way around it, by using satellite dishes or even reading, etc.

Why not agree to Cable Bahamas’ rate increases and seek to review their license and allow competition in the marketplace. That way, the consumer will be better served.

Besides, the action by URCA is a direct contradiction of what their name implies. They’re not encouraging competition, they’re stifling it!

A read of, Forty Centuries of Wage And Price Controls by Robert L Schuettinger and Eamonn F Butler will provide a better understanding of one of the most ridiculous public policies ever conceived.

Denying a rate increase to Cable Bahamas is unconscionable in a free country. If they price themselves out of the market, that’s their business.

RICK LOWE

Nassau,

February 13, 2013