Caribbean ICT watch

Trinidad & Tobago’s state-owned telecommunication company TSTT has invested US$120mn in the expansion of its fiber network. 

On the island of Tobago, the company invested US$50mn and plans to reach 3,000 homes in Charlotteville, L’Anse Fourmi, Parlatuvier, Castara, Les Couteaux and Moriah, The Trinidad Guardian reported. 

When the investment in Tobago is completed, the company will have coverage for 95% of the island.

Recently its competitor Flow announced the launch of FTTH in Tobago. Its network is now available in Canaan, Bon Accord, Crown Point, Buccoo, Golden Grove, Mount Pleasant and Bethel.

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The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) received US$6mn from the universal service fund for ICT devices aimed at improving efficiency at police stations.

The devices will provide officers with access to critical information and communication tools in real time, said the minister of science, energy and technology, Daryl Vaz.

JCF has been a beneficiary of the broadband project financed by the universal service fund since 2012, the Jamaica Gleaner reported.

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Number portability has gone live in Barbados, allowing consumers to change between operators while keeping their phone number. 

Portability is available for both fixed and mobile lines, local news outlet Loop reported. 

Portability requests will be completed within 24 hours for mobile phone numbers and within five days for fixed numbers, according to Loop’s report. 

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Eastern Caribbean regulator Ectel launched its Electronic Communications (EC) Bill Education and Public Awareness Campaign.

The purpose is to reform legislation relating to telecommunications in the Ectel contracting states.

“Under the new regulatory framework, Ectel will propose updated quality of service regulations. These will replace outdated regulations which are no longer fit for purpose and do not allow the regulator to acquire useful information from service providers to address the numerous complaints from consumers,” said Stephenson King, chairman of Ectel’s Council of Ministers. 

Ectel is the telecommunications authority in Dominica, Grenada, St. Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines.