TSTT not lapsing on telecom liberalisation

TSTT said it has embarked on a major transformation process from its current monopoly status of 51 percent owned by the people of TT, "into a lean and meaningful organisation whose commitment is to our customers, employees and other shareholders."

In June, the Telecom Authority (TATT) awarded respective cellular phone licences of US$16 million and US$9 million to Irish telecom company Digicel and local telecom outfit LaqTel. This effectively ended TSTT’s 26-year monopoly of the local telecommunications sector.

TSTT stated that in the spirit of cooperation with Government’s intention to open up the market to new service providers, the company has taken "the unprecedented step" of commencing talks on interconnection and other matters. "This is important to the sector and is being done without prejudice to assist in the achievement of the Government, as enshrined in the new telecom legislation," TSTT stated.

The company dismissed suggestions that it is dragging its feet on issues concerning telecom liberalisation and stated that it is continuing to act in a proactive manner in these matters. TSTT added that this is being done despite the fact that no concessions have yet been awarded to new providers, no regulations have been taken to Parliament as contemplated by the Telecommunications Act 2001, and the company still holds the exclusive right to provide telephone services as provided for in the Act, and is not responsible for the liberalisation process as mandated by the Act.