Castries – Saint Lucia – 4th May, 2020
As the Eastern Caribbean Telecommunications Authority (ECTEL) marks its twentieth year of existence, it is mindful that this commemoration is being done against the backdrop of the global fallout from COVID-19. Established by Treaty signed on May 4th, 2000 in St. George’s, Grenada, ECTEL is mandated to ensure that people of the Commonwealth of Dominica, Grenada, St. Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia and St. Vincent and the Grenadines benefit from affordable, modern, efficient, competitive and universal telecommunications services.
With the growth in demand for remote technology such as video conferencing tools and online learning software due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a noteworthy upsurge in demand for access to broadband services. In response, ECTEL has been working with National Telecommunications Regulatory Commissions (NTRCs) in utilising Universal Service Funds to provide subsidized broadband internet access and digital devices to students and other vulnerable members of society.
In December 2019, the heads of governments of the Contracting States signed a Protocol to amend the ECTEL Treaty to facilitate the passage of a new Electronic Communications Bill and suite of Regulations. These new legislative instruments will empower ECTEL to address issues such as licensing, quality of service, consumer protection, net neutrality, spectrum management and the impact of new and emerging technologies such as 5G and Internet of Things (IoT). ECTEL remains committed to promoting access to quality and affordable electronic communications services across its Contracting States.