Digicel, TSTT connect

Deane said that yesterday TSTT had successfully completed its “level four” testing, which was approved by Digicel, TSTT, and the Telecommunications Authority.

“This just leaves the final ‘user scenario’ testing which is proceeding as we speak now. It is fully expected that this user scenario testing will be completed tonight, on schedule.” This move, he said, will let TSTT and Digicel customers each use the other company’s network.

“This physical interconnection enables TSTT customers to make calls to and receive calls from anyone using the competitors network if they so desire and vice versa.” But Deane cautioned as to when the public could reap the benefit of this move, noting that the two companies had not yet reached a commercial agreement, as these negotiations were still before the arbitration panel.

“Any interconnection for the consumer has to be at the conclusion of both the technical and commercial agreements.”

TSTT CEO Carlos Espinal later joined the news conference and seemed to contradict one point made by Deane. “We have taken the decision as a company to allow interconnection, despite the fact that we don’t have a commercial agreement with Digicel, on a basis that is called ‘sender keeps all.’” Espinal said TSTT would not let the lack of an agreement prevent it from keeping its commitment to the Government, regulator, and society.

“We are willing to let the traffic between the two networks flow on a basis, that was the intention of the arbitration panel as announced today, of sender keeps all.” He said the details will be known based on the ruling of the arbiters on Monday.

“We have honoured our commitment and delivered on our commitment.”