What is ECTEL?

ECTEL is the Eastern Caribbean Telecommunications Authority, a body comprised of five (5) OECS countries: Dominica; Grenada; St. Kitts; St. Lucia; and St. Vincent and the Grenadines Commissioned by the contracting states of the OECS to regulate the telecommunications industry.

What is the role and functions of the NTRC?

The role of the NTRC is to effectively regulate the telecommunications industry, to balance the interest of consumers and telecommunications providers, and to advise on the formulations of national policy on telecommunications matters, with a view to ensuring the efficient, economic and harmonized development of the telecommunications and broadcasting services and radio communications in the Commonwealth of Dominica.

Functions

Ensure compliance with the Government’s International obligations on telecommunications
Assume responsibility for technical regulation, and setting technical standards of telecommunications and ensuring compatibility with international standards.
Plan, supervisor, regulate and manage the use of the radio frequency spectrum in conjunction with ECTEL.
Regulate prices for telecommunications service.
Collect free prescribed and tariffs levied under the Act of Regulations
Receive and review applications for class licenses and advising the Minister accordingly.
Monitor and ensure that licensees comply with the conditions attached to their licenses.
Review proposed interconnection agreements by telecommunication providers and recommend to the Minister whether or not she/he should approve such agreements.
Investigate and resolve any dispute relating to interconnection or sharing of infrastructure between telecommunications providers.
Manage the Universal Service Fund

What does Wi-Fi mean?

WIreless-FIdelity) A logo from the Wi-Fi Alliance that certifies network devices complies with the IEEE 802.11 wireless Ethernet standard. In the early 2000s, Wi-Fi/802.11 became widely used, and within a short time, all laptops and other handheld devices came with Wi-Fi built in.

What is Wi-Max?

World Interoperability for Microwave Access, Inc., www.wimaxforum.org) An organization founded in 2001 that promotes the IEEE 802.16 wireless broadband standard and provides certification for devices for compliant devices. WiMAX is designed to extend local Wi-Fi networks across greater distances such as a campus, as well as to provide last mile connectivity to an ISP or other carrier many miles away. In addition, Mobile WiMAX offers a voice and higher-speed data alternative to the cellular networks.

What is ADC?

Access Deficit Charge is the amount payable by the service provider at the caller's end to the service provider at the receiving end for accessing services rendered by the latter in domestic long distance telephony. An access deficit arises when the revenue from line related charges (eg. connections and line rental) is insufficient to cover line related costs.

Define LRIC

Long Run Incremental Cost are charges for interconnection services that are no higher than the fully allocated cost of providing the service and no lower than the total cost of providing that service.

Why should I participate in Public consultations?

Public consultations are a way for you to have your voice heard on any matter relating to the telecommunications industry which is service oriented. Whatever your role or capacity in society it is important to know what is happening in telecommunications because it affects you.

When are the public consultation conducted?

Public consultations are conducted whenever there are new developments in the regulation for the industry. These consultations are advertised in local media and additional information about the subject for consultation is always available at the office of the national regulator.