We would like to take this chance to clarify a few points raised by Dr Yusuf Mansur in his column entitled “Who's winning the price war?”(Jordan Times, September 18)
There is no doubt that Dr Mansur's experience in the field of telecommunications is highly regarded. However, in his column Dr Mansur mentioned few points that were not entirely correct.
First of all, the article states that the Keep Close 500 package offered by Fastlink is 82 Jordanian dinars (JD) per month. The truth of the matter is that Fastlink offers this package at JD62 per month. This inaccurate data led to further miscalculations and false statements regarding Fastlink's prices.
Secondly, the `Marhabtain' offer, recently introduced by Fastlink, should have been explained better in the article; i.e., informing the reader that the offer gives the consumer an extra free minute for every minute used as demonstrated in the ads.
As for the confusion that may have occurred in the market, we totally agree that packages and offers should be better clarified; nonetheless one should not disregard the new facts on the ground. For the first time people have a choice, a choice that is lacking in a number of other sectors of the economy and particularly in the all-important telecommunications sector.
Fastlink truly welcomes the new competition in the market. However, the introduction of competition within the field of telecommunications is greatly needed, particularly in the area of international dialing and fixed lines.
We understand that the price factor is important to many of our clients, but hopefully the quality of services, local experience and the extent of coverage would play a role in people's decision when making a choice.
It is also worth pointing out that Fastlink spared no time in passing on the savings that resulted from the government's drop in tariffs straight to the consumer. The government had renegotiated the tariff structure with Fastlink on December 24, 1999 and Fastlink immediately passed this saving to the consumer. As a result the mobile communication market has managed to grow by more than 140 percent in nine months.
We would like to thank Dr Mansur's efforts for tackling this issue of competition especially at a time when Jordan is witnessing reform and change bound to benefit the Jordanian economy, making the people of Jordan — in the so called “price war” — the true winners. — ( Jordan Times )
Jumana Twal, Communications and PR Manager, Fastlink, Amman.
© 2000 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
