No action to end TSTT monopoly

THE EDITOR: At the launching of Telecommunications Authority of Trinidad and Tobago (TATT) on July 1, their formal agenda was (bringing an end to the exorbitant monopoly of telephone services held by TSTT), in accordance with the Proclamation of the Telecommunication Act 2001, at this point in time the situation remains the same. The Chairman of the Authority (Dr Ralph Henry) outlined to the nation, the different procedures that would be put in place within the short term for better communications in TT. One such procedure is an advance preparation of new Request for Proposal for cellular licenses to facilitate competition, which the chairman said would be ready by the end of July, 2004; we see nothing has done about it. August has started and there is no indication of any positive action. What is the reason for this un-explainable delay?

Since the FTAA time period is carded for 2005, it is important that much time should not be lost. Our Government has been reminding us time and again of the significance of gaining the FTAA placement. Having a monopoly utilities climate such as TSTT, NP, CCTT, etc, such a delay (pussy footing) only serves to aggravate and disturb any semblance of industrial serenity and national balance. Any delay must be dealt with urgently and seriously. The consequences in the light of the chairman’s statement concerning the RFP’s of cellular licenses being ready by July, 2004 are much too important to be taken slightly and given a cold shoulder treatment.

LOVELL THOMAS
Point Fortin Action Committee