December 2012
Chief Executive Officer's Message
2012 Highlights
As Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Telecommunications Authority of Trinidad and Tobago (TATT) it is my pleasure to highlight some of this organisation's significant achievements in this final 2012 issue of TATT Bytes.
The 2011/2012 financial year was very productive for TATT with the completion of several important initiatives and the commencement of several others which we expect to complete by the end of the 2012/2013 financial year.
One significant achievement was in the area of organisational building. Prior to the start of the 2011/2012, financial year, recommendations were made to the Board of Directors for recruitment of staff and a new and enhanced organisational structure. The major part of this process was completed by the end of June 2012.
TATT's Strategic Plan outlines five objectives under which the majority of activities are planned and implemented.
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| TATT CEO Mr. Cris Seecheran |
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These objectives are;
Effective Regulation: Advancing the telecommunications and broadcasting sectors in Trinidad and Tobago by stimulating investment and maintaining forward-looking regulatory framework and supporting systems, implemented effectively through appropriate and timely interventions in a manner which fosters the economic, social and cultural development of the country.
Infrastructure Development and Resource Management: Managing spectrum, number resources and the orderly development of the national telecommunications and broadcasting infrastructure.
Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborating with our stakeholders and fostering strategic partnerships in order to better understand their needs, address challenges and proactively shape the national telecommunications and broadcasting industry.
Image Enhancement: Strengthening our image within the telecommunications and broadcasting sectors, and increasing public awareness of TATT's value with the aim of increasing stakeholder confidence in the sector.
Building Human and Organisational Capacity and Effectiveness: Building human and organisational capacity and creating an environment that fosters integrity, financial prudence, innovative thinking, performance and value-driven behaviours that embrace change to deliver excellence in all our operations and exceed stakeholder expectations.
Effective Regulations
In 2012, TATT completed several regulations to be taken to Parliament. These included Pricing Regulations, Universal Service Regulations, Numbering Regulations, Quality of Service Regulations, Submission of Information Regulations and Accounting Separation Regulations.
TATT also started the process of drafting new regulations which are expected to be completed in early 2013. These include the Consumer Rights and Obligations Policy and a revised Broadcasting Code. We first completed the Broadcasting Code a few years ago. But this code was never promulgated. The Code is currently being revised for resubmission to Government.
Development of infrastructure and resources within the sectors
In the area of infrastructure and sector resources, TATT completed and submitted the National Broadband Plan to Government. This plan is in response to the Government's stated goal of implementing a national broadband backbone. We are waiting to discuss this plan with the Minister and expect this to be high on our agenda in 2013. A broadband backbone will be very significant to Trinidad and Tobago.
In addition, TATT completed a framework for the introduction of Number Portability. We are moving to implement Number Portability by the end of 2013.
We have also completed a document for the purpose of inviting proposals for a third mobile operator in Trinidad and Tobago. We expect that a Request for Proposals will be issued in early 2013.
In 2012, TATT also proposed the establishment of an Internet Exchange Point (IXP). When implemented this will improve the nation’s Internet service and give greater opportunities for local content. We are at the point where it is almost ready for implementation. We have facilitated the establishment of a legal entity among the Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and finalised all equipment requirements.
Improve the image of TATT through public communication and awareness
In relation to image enhancement we have done quite a few innovative things. We have increased the number of advertisements in both the broadcast and print media. These advertisements, termed "TATT Bits" provide tips to consumers on key telecommunications and broadcasting issues. In addition, TATT participates in many public events–exhibitions, school visits and career fairs. We also continued our ICT Open Forum Series with three fora this year.
Building human and organisational capacity
As mentioned, the Board has approved our new staff structure and we are well into recruitment. This is important, so that TATT can deal with our organisational responsibilities in a timely fashion. For some time TATT was operating with an approximately 50-member staff. We felt that we needed to beef up particular divisions, mostly in the area of professional (junior and senior) level recruitment. The recruitment exercise is still ongoing. We expect the full recruitment process to be completed by March 2013.
I would like to point out that despite this we have a cadre of well-trained professionals. TATT always seeks to provide training to staff. I would in fact say that among companies in Trinidad and Tobago, I'm sure we would be ranked in the top three for providing training to staff. This is key for dealing with all regulatory issues in a professional manner.
Conclusion
In general, we are encouraged by the way in which the telecommunications and broadcasting sectors are progressing. There is always room for improvement and perhaps certain developments could move faster but the nation is enjoying steady improvements in the broadcasting and telecommunications sectors. There is still much that needs to be done in the areas of Internet speed, increased competition and increased penetration. This is why we are moving to add a third mobile provider, which will enhance these areas and add enhanced services to the public.
TATT wants to promote enhancement in the commercial and government services space-paying bills, paying taxes and accessing other services online. The legal and regulatory frameworks for these types of services are now being put in place. Once this happens-possibly next year-we will see a quickening pace in the delivery of these services.
Nevertheless, TATT is pleased with its achievements in 2011/2012 and with the developments in the telecommunications and broadcasting sectors. We look forward to a productive and successful 2012/2013 and to the continued advancement of these sectors in Trinidad and Tobago.