Trinidad and Tobago Computer Society

Tag: trinidad, tobago

  • IT related aspects of the 2008 National Budget of Trinidad and Tobago

    The 2008 National Budget of Trinidad and Tobago (PDF ; 337K) was released today in Parliament.

    The IT related aspects contained in the 2008 budget of Trinidad and Tobago :

    Page 27-28 : under ‘Education’

    “…Mr. Speaker, one of the Government’s major focus is the infusion of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) in the curriculum of our schools. The main objective of this programme is to prepare students to live in a knowledge-based society.
    Under the Primary Schools Computerization Programme infrastructural work on computer laboratories has been completed at 340 primary schools and eleven special schools and before the end of this fiscal year the majority of these schools will boast modern, fully equipped computer labs.

    Mr. Speaker, Phase I of the ICT in Secondary Schools Programme commenced
    with the provision of computers and network and security systems. Free internet access is now available at one hundred and eighty primary and secondary schools.

    In the new fiscal year, we intend to complete the computerization of 193 primary schools, and 11 special schools. In addition computers and networking will be provided for 133 Secondary Schools throughout the country.

    Phase II of the Secondary Schools ICT Project, which includes purchase of teaching software and provision of classroom collaborative solutions, will also be completed during the coming fiscal period.

    Page 48 – ‘Telecommunications’

    “…Mr. Speaker, the Government is committed to the development of a modern and competitive Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Sector to ensure that all citizens have access to efficient and affordable telecommunications.

    The Government’s goal is to promote ICT acculturation among all citizens through: expanding the use of ICT to modernize the operations of the public sector; increasing the availability of online government information and services; promoting the development of competitive ICT-based businesses; encouraging greater use of ICT in business operations and market transactions; and expanding high speed Internet connectivity to all schools, libraries and community centres.

    In this context Mr. Speaker, the National Broadband Action Plan includes: facilitating the establishment of International Carrier Shared Landing Stations; implementing a public sensitization programme for Broadband in Trinidad and Tobago; facilitating the implementation of a National Internet Exchange Point (IXP); and facilitating the development of a domestic hosting industry.

    These initiatives will help to ensure a sound ICT infrastructure in Trinidad and Tobago thereby facilitating our transition towards a knowledge-based society, using the technology to improve our economic, social and cultural development.

    Pages 63-64 “Legislation to ban the use of Cellular phones while driving.”

    “..Mr. Speaker, in light of the need to reduce the quantum of road accidents and the overall carnage on our roadways, it is proposed to introduce legislation to make it an offence to use cellular phones and other similar electronic devices while driving. It is also proposed to introduce legislation to ban the use of television type monitors in the front seat of vehicles. These measures will involve amendments to the Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic Act.”

  • MPAI announces Computer Refurbishment Project

    There is a press release at the Ministry of Public Administration and  Information (MPAI) about the computer refurbishment project which doesn’t reveal much details that hasn’t been publicised abroad.

    View MPAI press release about Computer Refurbishment Project.

    Text of MPAI press release

    Computer Refurbishment Project

    The National Information and Communication (ICT) Strategy, fastforward, recognizes the need to maximize the potential within all citizens. This aligns with Vision 2020’s definition of “innovative people” as one of the five (5) pillars in the National Strategic Plan for Development. As Trinidad and Tobago moves towards becoming a knowledge-based society, affordable and convenient access to computers and the Internet by all citizens will play an increasing role in the success of both fastforward and Vision 2020.

    One guiding principle posits that equitable social and economic development is largely a derivative of access to quality education and the capacity to leverage existing knowledge.  However, the prohibitive costs and limited access to technology and connectivity, especially among those in low-income areas, constrain the development of skills required to actively participate in the knowledge society.

    One of the ways in which Government is addressing this “digital divide” is through a regional Computer Refurbishment Project. This initiative aligns with key activities defined in the Commonwealth Action Programme for the Digital Divide (CAPDD). To this end, the Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago is partnering with the Commonwealth Secretariat to pilot the first such refurbishment facility. Coordinated by the Ministry of Public Administration and Information, this refurbishment project undertakes to develop a national and sustainable system for collecting, upgrading, repairing and replacing computers for use in schools and communities across Trinidad and Tobago, and eventually within the region. Donations from governments, corporate citizens, and the Diaspora are expected to be the main sources for stocking the refurbishments centres.

    The Computer Refurbishment Project is under the broader Computers for Communities programme, and falls within the backdrop of several complementary initiatives aimed at increasing national levels of computer usage and Internet access. These include the National Broadband Strategy to provide nationwide, high-speed Internet access at internationally competitive rates, and the outfitting of Community Access Centres with computers, Internet access, and relevant training programmes.

     

     

     

  • TTCS representive to attend 3rd Caribbean Internet Governance Forum – 15 – 17 August 2007 in Curacao

    Barring any futher delays at Piarco Airport, I’ll be in Curacao attending the 3rd Caribbean Internet Governance Forum from the 15th – 17th August 2007 which seeks to engage stakeholders in the development of policy and structure for Caribbean Internet Governance. 

    View/download the final Overview and Agenda of the Third Caribbean Internet Governance Forum (PDF ; 204K)

    The forum will be webcast and judging from the 4th Caribbean Spectrum Management Policy Development Meeting which is concluding today, there will be several forum documents will be available soon after the sessions conclude.

    Also see the previous post about the 3rd Caribbean Internet Governance Forum.

  • T&TEC seeks to be a broadband Internet provider

    The Trinidad and Tobago Electricity Commission (T&TEC) will be applying for a concession from the Telecommunications Authority of Trinidad and Tobago (TATT) to provide broadband internet services with its own fibre optic network. This announcement was made by T&TEC’s CEO at the Trinidad and Tobago Energy Conference at the Trinidad Hilton on August 13, 2007 according to an article in today’s (August 14th, 2007) Newsday.

  • TTCS wiki page on TSTT’s Single National Rate

    There is a wiki page (which you can contribute to by editing it!) on TSTT’s announced Single National Rate (SNR) for fixed line calls at http://ttcsweb.pbwiki.com/SingleNationalRate
    So far, it contains the texts of TSTT announcements and the text from the newspaper ads which adds more details about SNR.

  • MPAI RFC on “Draft Policy on the Universality of telecommunications service provision in Trinidad and Tobago”

    The Ministry of Public Administration and Information (MPAI) is inviting comments from interested parties for a second round of consultation on the draft policy on the Universality of Telecommunications Service provision in Trinidad and Tobago. A discussion of the decisions made subsequent to the comments and recommendations received is also available. The public is invited to submit comments to further aid the development of a methodology for ubiquitous access to telecommunications services by August 31st, 2007.

    Excerpts from the Draft Policy :

    The aim of this policy is to promote universal access to telecommunications services for all persons in Trinidad and Tobago by facilitating the orderly, systematic, dispersed development and provision of telecommunications services at affordable rates in Trinidad and Tobago in a manner that facilitates access by all citizens while encouraging innovation and incentive for investment in the ICT sector.

    The major objectives of facilitating access to telecommunications and wider Information and Communication Technologies to all communities and thus all citizens of Trinidad and Tobago are:

    • to encourage full participation in Twenty-first Century society by members of Trinidad and Tobago’s society;
    • to promote political, economic and cultural cohesion;
    • to bridge the digital divide in the country;
    • to encourage a more balanced distribution of access to digital technology among all citizens of Trinidad and Tobago
    • to promote economic development; and
    • to enhance the competitiveness of Trinidad and Tobago

    Under the summary of Policy Prescriptions, which is interesting given the recent TSTT/TATT spat over TSTT proposed introduction of a Single Rate for fixed lines :

    4. The [Telecommunications] Authority [of Trinidad and Tobago] shall determine the public telecommunications services to which universality shall apply to provide the requisite benefits to society. Such services shall include at a minimum:

    • affordable Domestic call origination and termination;
    • affordable narrowband public data services of throughput no less than fifty six kilo bits per second (56 kbps);
    • access to international call origination and termination services; and
    • free 24-hour access to emergency call service

    Such determinations shall be subject to periodic review as defined by the Authority.

    8.2 Affordability

    5. The Authority shall ensure price for basic telecommunications access must be so structured as to meet recognised affordability criteria, individually or cumulatively.

    View/download :

  • TSTT provides more details on its Single National Rate Plan for fixed line calls

    TSTT has posted a second notice about its Single National Rate Plan which mentions its position regarding TATT and mentions a initial cap on fixed line calls within the exchange area (currently 23 cents unlimited). For the first 3 months from September 7th, 2007, charges for calls within the same exchange area will be limited to 69 cents per call, regardless of length. After the first three months, the next three months, charges for calls will be limited to $1.15 per call, regardless of length.

    Here is the text of the second TSTT press release :
    http://www.tstt.co.tt/about/news_article.cfm?id=332

    TSTT Clarifies Single National Rate Plan Announcement

    TSTT’s wishes to provide additional information regarding our announcement of plans to implement a single national rate. The principal issues centre around TSTT’s notification requirements relative to the Regulator, TATT, and its customers; whether the Regulator has the authority to approve/disapprove the proposed rate revision; as well as the actual impact of the Single National Rate on customers.

    TSTT’s position on the issues regarding TATT is that we have notified TATT in the manner prescribed in our Concession Agreement. In fact, TSTT has used this same procedure on two other rate changes during the past year. TATT raised no objections to the procedure in either instance. Customer notification of this Single National Rate was also carried out in accordance with the Concession Agreement. Given this compliance, along with the precedent set for previous rate adjustment action, TSTT believes that it has fully observed all relevant regulations in announcing the Single National Rate. Moving forward, TSTT will continue to work with TATT to ensure that any misunderstandings regarding procedural requirements for notifications are resolved.

    Further, according to the Telecommunications Act of 2001, service providers are required to seek approval for proposed rate changes only if the Regulator has implemented a Price Regulation Regime. We understand that work on this regime is in process at TATT; however, no price regulations exist at this time. TSTT is of the view, therefore, that there is no requirement to await regulatory approval of the Single National Rate.

    Most importantly, however, we must remember that the Single National Rate plan is in response to our customers’ desire for simpler calling plans. Advancements in telecommunications technology have tended to negate distance as a factor in determining calling rates. The single national rate is a reflection of this trend. Introducing the Single National Rate seeks to align customers’ preferences with the calling rate structures experienced in international and mobile calling. The plan has already been hailed as offering huge cost savings for many of our customers.

    Nevertheless, TSTT is mindful that some of our customers may need some time to adjust to the new rate plan, particularly as it relates to calls within an exchange area. Such calls today have an effective rate of 23 cents per call. As such, from September 2007 to February 2008, charges for such calls will be ‘capped’ or limited for this period of time. For the first 3 months, charges for calls within the same exchange area will be limited to 69 cents per call, regardless of length. For the following three months they will be limited to $1.15 per call, regardless of length. TSTT will monitor the price-ceiling mechanism throughout this period as the company works to ensure the best possible service solutions are provided to customers.

  • TATT says TSTT’s Single National Rate has not been approved by them

    The recent TSTT announcement of a Single National Rate has generated some controversy (really?). The Telecom Authority of Trinidad and Tobago (TATT) according to a Trinidad Express article on Wednesday August 8th, 2007 :

    TATT, in response to TSTT’s notice, said that the move to revise the telephone rates was done illegally and without the necessary approval.

    “The Authority wishes to notify the public that no approval has been granted to TSTT to revise its existing tariffs for fixed line to fixed line calls, since it has not yet had the opportunity to determine the likely impact of the proposed tariff change to consumer bills, if the proposed changes are to be implemented,” TATT said.

    It added that TSTT was required to give the Authority 30 days notice first and then another 30 days notice to the public before rates could be revised as part of its regulatory obligations.

    A consumer impact study done by TATT indicated that customers will be experiencing a 300 per cent increase on three-minute calls within the same exchange (area) with the new rates.

    And TSTT, in response to TATT :

    Lisa Agard, TSTT’s vice president, Legal and Regulatory, told the Express last night that all the proper regulations in keeping with TSTT’s concession agreement were followed.

    “TSTT regards (TATT’s) statement as vexatious and completely without merit. In the first place there is absolutely no requirement either under the Telecommunications Act or under TSTT’s concession that approval had to attained from TATT when a concessionaire wants to revise its existing rates,” Agard said.

    She added that the need for TSTT to give the Authority a prior 30 days notice was also not in the relevant regulations.

    In its revision of tariffs, which was done as close as April this year, TSTT has not given TATT any prior 30 days notice and it has never been called into question, Agard said.

    She added that if the Authority intends to take legal action, as it indicated in its statement yesterday, then TSTT is fully prepared to stand by its position as it is completely within the law.

    The Communication Workers Union (CWU) has also spoken out against the Single National Rate :

    The new single national rate which TSTT expects to bring into effect early next month is illegal, says secretary general of the Communication Workers Union (CWU) Lyle Townsend.

    Townsend was speaking at a press conference held at the union’s Port of Spain headquarters yesterday, where he commented on TSTT’s intention to implement a new rate on fixed phone lines.

    “This is about a basic increase in the telephone service calls. It’s an increase of a minimum of 300 per cent,” he said, adding that customers in the same exchange would no longer have “unlimited” access.

    Townsend said that the average consumer is ignorant of the billing process and that TSTT is taking advantage of that fact.

    Related articles :

  • TSTT announces Single National Rate for local fixed line calls

    TSTT has published a advisory notice announcing a single national rate of 23 cents TT to any fixed line in Trinidad and Tobago from September 7th, 2007.

    Here is the text of the TSTT press release :
    http://www.tstt.co.tt/about/news_article.cfm?id=330

    SIMPLE CALLING RATE STRUCTURE FOR FIXED LINE CALLS
    INTRODUCTION OF A SINGLE NATIONAL RATE

    TSTT wishes to advise customers of the introduction of a new and simple calling rate for billing fixed line calls across Trinidad and Tobago. The existing complex rate structure will be replaced with a Single National Rate.

    The Single National Rate will eliminate the elements that currently determine the cost of a local call such as: distance; whether calls are made within or outside of your exchange area and time of day. All fixed line calls will now be billed using one simple per minute rate (The following exceptions apply: calls to mobile, international, 976, 800 or other premium services; independent ISP numbers and calls from Payphones will remain unchanged. Smart Choice customers will not be affected.)
    A NEW SIMPLER RATE

    The existing rates range from $0.23 to $0.69 per minute. The new simplified rate will be $0.23 per minute for all calls to any location within Trinidad and Tobago with effect from September 7, 2007.

    Customers will now be able to call family and friends in any part of Trinidad and Tobago, at one simple calling rate. The Single National Rate is in direct response to customer feedback and conforms to international trends for local call billing.

    Customers will receive more details in the near future and may feel free to contact TSTT’s offices for further information on the Single National Rate.

  • 3rd Caribbean Internet Governance Forum – 15 – 17 August 2007 in Curacao

    The Caribbean Telecommunications Union is organising the third Caribbean Internet Governance Forum (CIGF) which will be held on 15th to 17th August 2007 in Curacao, Netherlands Antilles. With the theme of “Building a Regional Internet Governance Framework“, the objectives of the CIGF are :

    • To review priority areas and continue the development of Internet governance policy framework appropriate to the Caribbean.
    • To review and progress the work and recommendations coming forward from the 2006 CIGF (which was jointly staged with the 4th Caribbean Internet Forum in Grenada in November 2006) and the Ministerial Briefing Seminar on Internet Governance held in Anguilla in April 2007
    • To consider the state of and make recommendations for the further development of the physical and logical elements of regional Internet infrastructure and exchange points.
    • To discuss the implications of the imminent exhaust of IPv4 address space and commence the development of a transition plan for IPv6 deployment.
    • To develop mechanisms for strengthening ccTLD management in the Caribbean
    • To identify prioritized actions, primeships and indicative schedules for accelerating development of the information society in the Caribbean.

    A representative from the Trinidad and Tobago Computer Society (TTCS) will be attending this forum.

    Useful CIGF related links :