ECTEL signs protocol amending Treaty, paving way for Electronic Communications Bill

The Eastern Caribbean Telecommunications Authority (ECTEL), which was established on 4th May 2000 by a Treaty signed in St George’s, Grenada, by the governments of five Eastern Caribbean States – Commonwealth of Dominica, Grenada, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines – has reportedly signed the ‘Protocol Amending the Treaty Establishing the Eastern Caribbean Telecommunications Authority’, to reflect the many changes that have taken place in the telecoms industry since the Treaty was enacted. It is understood that some of the notable changes relate to convergence between services, networks and technologies in the sector. Importantly, the Protocol also acts as a prerequisite for the long-awaited promulgation of the Electronic Communications Bill and a raft of new regulations, which industry watchers note should pave the way for ECTEL to address the myriad issues facing the five markets.