News

The signing of the Declaration of St George’s towards the Reduction of intra CARICON roaming Charges took place recently. In speaking to local media, Minister with responsibility for Telecommunications Senator Oscar George indicated that, ‘this is indeed very significant for the sector. Particularly given the fact that the high roaming rates across the region has been a major limiting factor to the implementation of the CARICOM single ICT Space. So, I’m particularly pleased with this first step in laying the platform to continue to push ahead with our efforts at full elimination of roaming rates.

The reality is that we have been calling for cheaper rates, we have been calling for faster speeds, we have been calling for more convenience. And today, we see that tangible steps are being taken across CARICOM member states to achieve just this. this is very commendable.’

The new roaming model negotiated with Digicel and Cable and Wireless, will present better rates and will include a cap which will definitely reduce the anxieties of consumers who traverse across the region. The rates will defer between providers and these rates will be communicated shortly

‘I believe that this move greatly compliments our efforts in building a more digital economy. It is indeed a historical milestone and off course I anticipate the emergence of many new opportunities in the Information and Communication Technology sector as a result is this.’

‘We are grateful for the efforts from committee of heads of Government, the Caribbean Telecommunications union, the negotiating team, the technical advisory team, the off course the telecommunication providers for the willingness support the vision of regional governments.’

Electronic communications Bill

Government has endorsed the exercise to enhance the current legislation governing the sector by replacing the current telecommunications act with a new Electronic Communications Bill. Currently, the Government of Dominica is now exploring the many opportunities that exist in the Digital economy primarily to engage our youth, and this EC Bill will seek to create a solid regulatory platform to guild Government’s efforts.

 The proposed EC Bill, among other things;

• Makes provisions for number portability, introduces competition provisions, sets out clear guidelines for conducting market analysis, makes provisions for net neutrality and empowers the NTRC’s to address consumer issues more effectively.

Additionally, there will be accompanying regulations which are intended to regulate the use of mobile data, to improve quality of service nationally, to ensure consumer protection, and off course dispute resolution.

The EC Bill is expected to enhance the telecommunication sector and make it more consumer focused, by ensuring that users get better service and more value for money. The Government of Dominica will join the Eastern Caribbean Telecommunications Authority (ECTEL) in pursuing an awareness campaign on this harmonized Bill, in an attempt to educate the population on the contents of the bill. 

The general public can also view the bill on the government website and send feedback.

 Enhancing Emergency Communications Network

The Government of Dominica has been installing Digipeaters to enhance our emergency communications, with the support of the amateur radio clubs and the DFID Flexi Technical Assistance Fund (FTAF). The project involves the installation of three stations; two digipeater stations, a client station and the modification of a number of operator stations to increases their capabilities.  

The full shipment of equipment has been received which is currently in storage for installation. The process of assembling and testing is currently in progress.  To date, connections have been established with HAM stations from St. Lucia to Montserrat and Trail management was done on a number of sites and new sites were identified in anticipation for the upcoming installation works. Online training on the use of Emergency Communication Network has started and will be expanded in the upcoming weeks.  There are currently 50 individuals being trained.

Senator Oscar George commended the DFID Flexi Technical Assistance Fund (FTAF) and the diligence of his staff while indicating that government is taking tangible steps to ensure secure communication post disasters well in advance of the hurricane season.

He indicated that Dominica is also in the final stages of the development and implementation of our National Emergency Telecommunications Plan which will outline a roadmap for ensure secure communications in the event of emergencies.