The government yesterday tabled the Telecommunications Bill 2011 and the Public Utilities Commission (Amendment) Bill, two pieces of legislation that if passed and enacted would provide for an open, liberalized and competitive telecommunications sector.
Both bills were tabled by Prime Minister Sam Hinds.
It is to make provision for the setting up of a Telecommunications Agency, into which the National Frequency Management Unit will be incorporated. This Agency, according to the proposed bill, is to function under the Minister’s supervision as the technical regulator of the sector and is responsible for regulating licencing, the spectrum and other technical matters and for administering the new universal access/universal services programme. The Agency shall consist of a Director of Telecommunications, a Deputy Director and Heads of Divisions as deemed necessary by the Minister.
The National Broadcasting Authority, is to be responsible for the regulation, supervision and development of the National Broadcasting System. The bill would also provide for the licensing of broadcasting agencies. Under this bill and the consequential amendments to the Public Utilities Commission Act, the PUC will continue to function as the economic regulator of the sector. The Commission will be responsible for ensuring a competitive environment integrated networks and services, consumer rights, and fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory prices.
The bill provides a transitional regime under which new licences and frequency authorizations will be issued under the Act to GT&T, Digicel and other existing sector participants on the date the Act comes into operation. “Any other persons holding licences or spectrum permits under the repealed regime are required to apply for new licences and frequency authorization within 90 days of the Act’s commencement.
During yesterday’s sitting PPP/C MP Gail Teixeira indicated that the government planned to debate the bill next Thursday in the National Assembly then have it send to a Special Select Committee.
