What is the role of the Authority?
- To establish conditions for an open market for telecommunications services including conditions for fair competition;
- To facilitate the orderly development of a national telecommunications system that would serve to strengthen the national, social, cultural and economic well-being of Trinidad and Tobago;
- To promote universal access to telecommunications services for all persons in Trinidad and Tobago;
- To regulate broadcasting services;
- To promote the telecommunications industry by encouraging investment in telecommunications infrastructure and use of telecommunications services;
- To promote and protect the interests of the public by promoting access to a variety of affordable and high quality telecommunications services.
What are some specific responsibilities of the Authority?
- Ensuring the orderly and systematic development of the telecommunications sector;
- Granting licences and making recommendations to the Minister on the granting of concessions;
- Classifying telecommunications networks and services;
- Determining universal service obligations throughout Trinidad and Tobago to ensure that all citizens have access to telecommunications services;
- Planning, supervising, regulating and managing the use of the radio frequency spectrum including:
- The licence and registration of radio frequencies and call signs to be used by all stations operating in Trinidad and Tobago or on any ship, aircraft, or other vessel or satellite registered in Trinidad and Tobago;
- The allocation, assignment and reallocation or reassignment of frequency bands where necessary;
- Managing and administering telephone numbers;
- Collecting all fees, including concession and licence fees and any other charges levied under the Act;
- Investigating and resolving all allegations of harmful interference;
- Investigating and acting upon complaints by consumers, providers and operators of telecommunications networks, in respect of operations, rates, billings and services;
- Testing and certifying telecommunications and broadcasting equipment to ensure compliance with
- (i)international standards (ii) environmental health and safety standards, including electromagnetic radiation and emissions.
- Establishment of a consumer complaints committee to collect, decide and report on consumer complaints.
- Establishing national telecommunications and broadcasting industry standards;
- Advising the Minister on technical standards and policies governing the telecommunications and broadcasting industries and issues arising at international, regional and national levels;
- Ensuring compliance with the ITU Convention;
- Implementing and enforcing the provisions of the Act and the policies and regulations made under the Act;