Embratel and Intelig, Brazil?s incumbent and competitive long-distance carriers respectively, have left Abrafix, the national association of fixed-line telephone companies. ?We?ve been unhappy with the association for some time,? says Alain Rivière, Intelig?s director for regulatory affairs. ?We don?t feel Abrafix represents us properly. It has failed to strike a balance in the conflicts between ILECs and long-distance carriers.? A letter advising the association of their resignation was delivered Monday, October 28, to Abrafix and Anatel. Mr Rivière believes GVT and Vésper, both CLECs, may follow suit before long for the same reason. This reflects a certain commonality insofar as GVT, Vésper, Embratel and Intelig are all new entrants in the local segment and increasingly need to compete with the three ILECs.
Crisis
