Telecoms & IT

In the past decade the Trinidad and Tobago telecoms and broadcasting industry has expanded into a dynamic sector of the economy. The Telecommunications (Amendment) Act of 2004 acted as a catalyst for the industry, with all segments of communications and entertainment liberalized simultaneously on the principle of fair competition. At present, T&T has four fixed-line and two mobile telephony companies, seven international incoming and out¬going phone companies and eight internet service providers. In addition, there are 13 subscription television companies, seven free-to-air TV channels and 38 radio stations. Though increasing numbers of Trinidadians are connected to the internet, greater uptake of ICT solutions is required from both the private and public sectors for the economy to take full advantage of the benefits of connectivity. T&T has so far been slow to develop local software businesses and train the human talent needed to support ICT. Nevertheless, the sector remains a key focus of attempts to diversify the economy. 

This chapter contains an interview with Cynthia Reddock-Downes, Acting CEO, Telecommunications Authority of Trinidad and Tobago (TATT).