Telecoms & IT
From The Report: Trinidad & Tobago 2015
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The telecoms and broadcasting markets in T&T are both dynamic and profitable. The two major mobile operators – Digicel and TSTT, operating under its Bmobile brand – are benefitting from rapid growth in mobile broadband internet access. A shake-up in the duopoly is expected following a government announcement in 2014 inviting bids for a third mobile licence, as well as offering spectrum in the 700-MHz, 800-MHz and 1900-MHz bands. While industry revenues are likely to continue growing at a moderate rate, the move from a duopoly to one with three main players is expected to exert downward pressure on rates and accelerate the move from voice to VAS, with operators seeking new ways to promote mobile usage. In the ICT sector, reduced government revenues resulting from the fall in oil prices could have an impact on some of the ICT development programmes currently under way. This chapter contains an interview with Cris Seecheran, CEO, Telecommunications Authority of Trinidad and Tobago (TATT).

Articles from this Chapter

Overview

Licence to thrill: The entry of a third mobile operator is set to invigorate the market
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The telecoms and broadcasting markets in Trinidad and Tobago are both dynamic and profitable, and are expected to continue expanding in the years ahead. According to the Telecommunications Authority of T&T (TATT), the industry regulator, “The telecommunications and broadcasting sectors continue to present growth opportunities for established economic hubs and provide an invaluable platform for new creative industries and growth poles.” In the fixed-line market the main battle for market share…

Analysis

Broadband of gold: 4G coverage is set for rapid expansion
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The existing mobile operators in Trinidad and Tobago – market leader Digicel and the government majority-owned Telecommunications Services of T&T (TSTT, through its brand Bmobile) – have been rolling out 4G long-term evolution (LTE) network technology since 2012. The new infrastructure will provide increased speed and improved quality of service in broadband internet access. In addition, the regulator, the Telecommunications Authority of T&T (TATT) has offered more spectrum and a third…

Interview

Cris Seecheran, CEO, Telecommunications Authority of Trinidad and Tobago (TATT) – Interview
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Interview: Cris Seecheran In what way does the telecommunications industry benefit from the arrival of new investors? CRIS SEECHERAN: In bringing in new investors, two main objectives are achieved. Introducing new players to the market creates a more competitive environment, incentivising a more diverse, affordable and improved array of services. On the business side, improved competition translates into stronger ICT infrastructure, which is necessary for attracting foreign investors to any sector…

Overview

Social networking: The government aims to make the sector a key contributor to GDP
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The government of Trinidad and Tobago announced an ICT development plan for 2014-18, known as smarTT, in November 2013. Prior to the programme’s launch, the minister of science and technology, Rupert Griffith, stressed the contribution that the sector could make to T&T’s development. “The plan seeks to leverage ICT to encourage growth and transform our country,” he said. “It stands out as a remarkable tool with major potential benefits.” Griffith emphasised the contribution that…

Analysis

Closing the gap: The push to improve e-government still has some way to go
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The authorities in Trinidad and Tobago are taking steps to develop the country’s potential for e-government. State agency iGovTT was established to improve public sector connectivity and promote increased online transactions in government business. iGovTT reports to the Ministry of Science and Technology, and acts both as the ministry’s implementation arm and as an ICT consulting and client-facing unit for the whole government. Ranking Slip The government closely monitors a number of international…