Ringing in the new era

Date: 05/09/1996

More competition means lower consumer prices. Just ask anyone.

On second thoughts, don't ask Belgacom, which has just raised telephone charges in Brussels and sent an explanatory letter to residents justifying rental rates up by 2.5 ecu and directory enquiries up about 1 ecu since 1 August.

“These increases”, said John Goossens, Belgacom's president, “are being carried out in the context of the harmonisation of tariffs in Europe and, on the other hand, will allow Belgacom to adapt to the tariffs of our competitors.”

Hurrah for telecommunications liberalisation.