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25th
Feburary 2010
ECTEL
– 10 Years and Growing
The
Eastern Caribbean Telecommunications Authority
(ECTEL) is today launching a one-year
programme in observance of its tenth anniversary.
Of importance to ECTEL as its enters its
tenth year of operation, and of importance
to consumers of the five members states
which ECTEL represents, are the pricing
issues of telecommunications services
based on the liberalization of the telecommunications
sector.
That telecommunication prices have gone
down today when compared to the years
prior to ECTEL’s birth cannot be
denied; further, ECTEL’s role in
the liberalization of the telecommunication’s
landscape in its member states cannot
be underestimated, especially in putting
together regulations that make it possible
for new providers to provide a service
that is efficient, of a high standard
and price-friendly to consumers.
There is no doubt that ECTEL, because
of its ability to regulate the telecommunications
sector in these islands, has not only
sustained a downward trend in prices for
consumers, but has also been able to push
mobile penetration throughout its member
states, which has spread tremendously,
making it possible for persons who in
the past could not have afforded a mobile
phone, to own one today. This applies
to fixed phones as well.
The organization’s general counsel,
David Cox also believes that ECTEL has
made some notable achievements throughout
its 10 years of service to the sub region.
“With the creation of ECTEL and
the establishment of a liberalized telecommunications
sector what we had were clear transparent
rules for the approval of licences. The
governments opened up the sector but ECTEL
has played a significant role in ensuring
that there is a transparent process for
people to come in. |
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That
has led to investment year after year and to
significant reductions in prices. It was actually
the precursor to the introduction of competition,”
Cox said.
While we believe that there is more for ECTEL
to do, for example there are issues relating
to interference of radio frequencies because
of the islands proximity to other countries
like the franco-phone countries, etc., ECTEL
has indeed been an asset to its members, namely
the Commonwealth of Dominica, Grenada, Saint
Lucia, Saint Kitts and Nevis and Saint Vincent
and the Grenadines.
Established by Treaty signed in Saint George’s
Grenada on May 4, 2000 the organization has
grown not only in terms of its regulatory work
but also of how beneficial it has become to
its members.
The launch of the one-year programme is the
first major activity in observance of its tenth
anniversary. Activities will be held in all
member states during the year in collaboration
with the National Telecommunications Regulatory
Commission (NTRC) in each territory. At these
events, people who have made significant contributions
to the evolution of the regional telecommunications
regulatory system will be honoured.
We join everyone in wishing ECTEL a well deserved
tenth anniversary celebration.
(M.G.)
Discuss
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