The Government of Antigua and Barbuda “Changes the Game” in Spectrum Regulation
In the rapidly changing world of Telecommunications the Government of Antigua & Barbuda has “changed the game” by implementing a telecommunications management system which now allows their regulatory authority, the Antigua & Barbuda Telecommunications Division (ABTD), to automate the oversight required in the constantly evolving telecommunications sector.
The innovative software, manages the myriad of operational duties, simultaneously, that ABTD is mandated to perform when protecting and enforcing the licensed use of spectrum across the nation. The integrated Telecommunications Management System (iTMS), is a crucial step forward. Mr. Daryl Jackson, Telecommunications Officer, at the ABTD stated that the “iTMS now provides one version of the truth” and is “customized for ABTD’s requirements”. Now the ABTD has the most advanced software available for managing the unique and complex challenges faced by regulatory authorities in the Caribbean. Spectrum is the scarce resource that enables internet connectivity, mobile phones, aircraft and shipping communications plus broadcasters on AM, FM, and TV frequencies, along with a host of other telecommunications practices. The ABTD is responsible for managing all of the nation’s valuable spectrum resource, telecommunications licensing and the allocation of spectrum frequency.
Ms Joan Joseph, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information, Broadcasting, Telecommunications, Science & Technology reviewed the system during the implementation with both the ABTD and PW Consulting project teams on Wednesday January 28, 2016. The Canadian company, that built and installed the system celebrated the milestone in a typically Canadian ice hockey fashion when Ms. Joseph “dropped the puck” to symbolize the accomplishment.
About the ABTD in Antigua & Barbuda
The Antigua & Barbuda Telecommunications Division; the regulatory authority of the Government of Antigua & Barbuda has been established to coordinate an effective regulatory regime to enhance the operation of telecommunications in the interest of the sustainable development of Antigua & Barbuda. ABTD promotes open competition in telecommunications and harmonize policies on a national level. ABTD works to ensure fair competitive practice by all telecommunications providers and to maintain high quality services at fair and competitive prices. The ABTD office is located in the Coolidge Business Complex, Sir George Walter Highway. St. John’s, Antigua and can be reached at (268) 468-4600, via email at [email protected] or on the web at www.telecom.gov.ag
About PW Consulting
A Canadian based company located in London, ON, PW Consulting has been operation in the Caribbean since 2001. The company provides fully supported enterprise wide systems for utilities, electrical and water, and telecommunications authorities across the Caribbean. PW Consulting offers proven and affordable “open source” technology platforms that are continuously improved. PW Consulting can be contacted at 519 657 7115, via email at [email protected] or on the web at www.pwconsulting.com
IMAGE: Present in the photograph from left to right; Jim Stewart PWC Vice-President, Ashton Fearon, Project Manager, Joan Joseph, Permanent Secretary, David Winter PWC President, Arthur Bird Engineer, Daryl Jackson Telecommunications Officer, William Henry, Asst. Telecom Officer Alexander Spectrum