To survive, TSTT needs its customers

“We need to be in the best position that we can, to compete successfully against our rivals.” TSTT Chief Operations Officer  Bernard Mitchell was giving his views following the recent signing of a two-year, US$50 million agreement between Nortel and TSTT (Telecommunications Services of Trinidad and Tobago) to expand its  GSM/GPRS network. Bernard said the company was not afraid of foreign companies entering the market, because ultimately power lay in the hands of the customer. TSTT, he added,  will be aiming to satisfy the customers’ needs on several different levels. “TSTT’s future and growth prospects are inextricably tied to the health and vibrancy of all aspects of its business and in particular its mobile business,” he stated.

Mitchell said while it was inevitable that the local telecommunications sector would be penetrated by foreigners, particularly in the mobile phone business, TSTT was all about service. “Our intent therefore is not only to have the biggest and best network, but to do so by ensuring that our network provides coverage for 99% of the populated and travelled areas throughout TT,” he said. Mitchell maintained that TSTT’s first priority has always been its customers, noting that the agreement with Nortel “recognises our commitment to significantly improve our customer service quality.” TSTT  is more than ready to face up to the challenges posed by any of the international telecom giants including Digicel and Cingular, said Nortel Networks Caribbean Sales Director Tony Davy.

Davy said TSTT already has a technological infrastructure which is state-of-the art and ranks among the best within the Caribbean. TSTT CEO Carlos Espinal hailed the agreement, saying “this work will provide the foundation upon which TSTT continues to grow its competitive advantage.” Espinal added that TSTT plans to have its mobile network fully operational in the first half of this year. Davy explained that the key now is to make the best use of that infrastructure and once this is done, TSTT has nothing to fear from any external competitors entering the market. “No one has an edge on them (TSTT),” Davy said in an interview at TSTT headquarters on Independence Square last week.

Noting that Nortel has been involved in wireless technologies for over a decade and having deployed networks in wireless standards all over the world, Davy said the company is “extremely well-positioned to help TSTT achieve their goals.” “With this investment,” he said, “TSTT jumps squarely into the realm of third generation wireless services, once again showing it is serious about bringing the best services available to its customers. Davy added that the agreement cements Nortel’s presence and leadership in the Caribbean market. “I believe that the main reason for our success has been our relentless commitment to helping our customers like TSTT succeed,” he declared.