Consumer Empowerment and Protection for Sustainable ICT Development
March 14th, 2016 -- The Eastern Caribbean Telecommunications Authority (ECTEL) joins other organizations and individuals in the observance of World Consumer Rights Day – March 15th 2016. On this occasion, consumers are invited to undertake activities that advance their rights and welfare.
The theme of “Fix Your Phone Rights” which was used in 2014 is still relevant today. ECTEL therefore calls on consumers to recognize that while the theme for this year is “antibiotics off your menu,” attention must remain on the wide range of rights and responsibilities related to the electronic communications sector. This includes the use of basic and advanced telecommunications services, the obligations for high quality connectivity without any illegal interception and the availability of broadband for social and economic uses.
ECTEL’s participation in activities for Consumer Rights Day, comes on the heels of recent successful engagements with consumer organisations in the development of new regulations, to strengthen the rights and clarify the responsibility of consumers in the electronic communications sector.
A regional workshop was held on February 17 and 18, where these matters were discussed. The participants included the consumer organizations in the ECTEL Member States, the ministries of consumer affairs, and the CARICOM Competition Commission- CSME Unit. In addition to ECTEL, facilitators included the Alliance for Affordable Internet-Web Foundation, Great Village International Consultants and Consumers International.
The focus on consumer rights is important to ensure that the market works effectively in this liberalized environment. We have recognized that the providers are well organised and commend them for the development of extensive service offerings. On the other hand, consumers need to be better organised and understand their rights and responsibilities.
ECTEL has developed new regulations for consumer rights and consumer protection under the Caribbean Communications Regional Infrastructure Project -CARCIP. The regulation covers such matters as the nature of contracts, the advertising of services, and mechanisms for redress etc. Additionally, the regulations on retail pricing are pertinent to the debate on affordability of electronic communications services.
The regulations are out for public consultations and consumer groups have been invited to provide comments. The consultation closes on April 11th, 2016. The documents can be accessed from the ECTEL website.
In addition, an extensive public awareness campaign has been launched highlighting pertinent messages related to contracts, quality of service, service choice, lodging service complaints, and Internet usage.
In light of the review and reorganization of regulatory frameworks for the electronic communications sector, greater emphasis is being placed on the capacities, rights, powers and responsibilities of consumers, in order that they fully benefit from the advances in the sector.
As a regulator therefore, ECTEL reiterates its commitment to the building of consumer power in Member States thereby empowering customers to know their rights, so that they can rightfully access the benefits associated with this knowledge and power.
MANAGING DIRECTOR
March 15, 2016
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