By Meriba Tulo – EMTV News, Port Moresby
The country’s competition watchdog ICCC, has given its authorisation for the proposed merger of State-Owned Enterprises, Telikom PNG, and DataCo.
ICCC Commissioner and CEO, Paulus Ain, announced the decision saying in its assessments of the acquisition, it was found that the potential benefits would outweigh the possible detriments to competition for consumers. The Independent Consumer Competition Commission (ICCC) yesterday announced the result of their assessment of the proposed merger between the two state-owned-entities – Telikom PNG Ltd, and DataCo Ltd.
According to Ain, the assessment sought views from stakeholders, including competitors, and members of the public on their views on whether they agreed for the merger to go ahead. Based on submissions received, the ICCC has taken into account both the perceived benefits, as well as the possible detrimental effects to consumers as a result of the proposed merger. After considering the submissions, the ICCC has given its authorisation for the merger of Telikom PNG and DataCo to proceed.
According to Mr Ain, although DataCo may have been seen as insignificant, it does have influence in the overall telecommunication sector.
