The recommendations from the Telecommunications Authority of T&T (TATT) for the renewal of Concessions for a number of broadcast service providers has been approved.
The approval was made on Monday by Minister of Public Administration, Randall Mitchell.
The renewal of the Concessions and licences, which expired on February 22, provides for continuation of broadcast operations for a ten-year period.
Under the Telecommunications Act, TATT is required to make recommendations to the minister on the granting and renewal of concessions and to monitor and ensure compliance with the conditions established.
The process of receipt of application, evaluation and the submission of recommendations to the Minister on granting of Concessions rests with the authority.
One of the key issues taken into consideration by the authority in recommending the renewal of a Concession is the performance of the Concessionaire in relation to its compliance with the conditions of the Concession and the Telecommunications Act.
On signing the Concessions, Mitchell said that these new Concessions reflect Government’s commitment to a vibrant, inclusive and independent media.
“This, in turn, improves openness, transparency and accountability in public life, and encourages citizen participation in the business of Government,” Mitchell said.
“Since the Telecommunications and Broadcasting Sector was opened up to competition initially during the 1990’s and again with the establishment of TATT in 2004, we have seen the number of free to air radio stations in T&T increase from just two stations to 37 stations—an increase of more than 1700 per cent,” he added.
Mitchell said that the renewal of these Concessions constitutes a small but critical part of the Ministry of Public Administration’s continuing mission to create a suitable enabling environment for the uptake and usage of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) by the citizens, businesses, and public institutions of T&T.