Telecom companies explain why prepaid cards witnessed a price hike

Jordan

Published: 2018-05-23 11:54

Last Updated: 2024-03-29 03:32


Photo of the meeting on Tuesday.
Photo of the meeting on Tuesday.

Representatives of the telecommunications companies faced on Tuesday the parliamentary committee on Integrity, Transparency and Fact-Finding, and the ministers of finance and communications in order to explain the reason behind several complaints regarding the higher prices on prepaid cell phone cards, Petra news agency reported.

“We have not taken any decisions to raise prepaid card prices,” the representatives asserted, pointing out that every level of the distribution channel adds its own profit margin and sales tax.

“Some distributors have raised prices because they have been obliged to document the cards they sell, which has lead to a 30 percent decrease in sales,” the telecom companies clarified.

In response, MP Zeid Shawabkeh insisted that in light of the difficult economic times Jordan is facing, decisions that affect citizens’ pockets should be well thought out and not place an unbearable burden.

Minister Majd Shweikeh pointed out "The Ministry and the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (TRC) are not interested in setting a price ceiling on prepaid cards,” adding that their main role was to monitor telecommunications companies and prevent practices that would harm citizens.

The meeting concluded with the committee calling for a meeting to be held next week, in the presence of the Ministry of Industry and Trade, and the TRC in order to establish a clear price brackets for prepaid cards.