Developments in Telecommunications

Ms. Johnson has been a member of the privatization committee for the sale of B.T.C. since 1998. She said that we lag behind the rest of the world in privatizing telecommunications and must come up to speed fast. She noted that in 1999 the corporation commenced preparation for the sale of B.T.C. and downsized its staff by some 1100 persons. The first privatization exercise took place in 2003 and this is now the third attempt to sell the corporation. However, the process is greatly advancing and should be completed before year-end. Additionally, in 2008 it was discovered that the telecommunications sector was outdated and in need of an overhaul. As a result, in August 2009 U.R.C.A. was established to regulate the telecommunications, radio and broadcasting sectors. Also, the Utilities Appeal Tribunal was formed to deal with appeals from regulators and will be the 1st level of appeal for decisions made by U.R.C.A. In September 2009 the Communications Act was established to replace the outdated Communications Act of 1999. It enhances U.R.C.A's powers of consumer protection, education and licensing. The Electronic Communication Sector Policy sets our governments objective for the next three years.