From left: Mr Vance M. Lewis, Chairman of the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission Board; Honourable Kye M. Rymer (R5), Deputy Premier and Minister for Communications and Works; Mr Guy L. Malone, Chief Executive Officer of the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission; Mr Vincent Wattley, Deputy Chairman of the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission Board. Photo: GIS/Franklyn Skerritt

The Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (TRC) is a statutory body responsible for regulating the telecommunications sector of the [British] Virgin Islands. Photo: TRC

Honourable Rymer was addressing celebrations to observe World Telecommunication and Information Society Day 2022, at the Noel Lloyd Positive Action Movement Park last week.

The Minister extended congratulations to the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (TRC) and added that although the day is observed on May 17, the event was held after the date in a sub-theme, “Bridging The Generational Divide” and was an effort to bring awareness to the purpose of the TRC.

'Ensuring fair competition' among tasks of TRC- Hon Rymer

According to a press release from Government Information Services (GIS) on June 22, 2022, Honourable Rymer said, “The commission is responsible for promoting the development of Telecommunications throughout the Virgin Islands. It is governed by the Telecommunications Act, 2006 which was adopted in June 2006 and published in October 2006. It advises on telecommunications policies internationally and regionally and protects the interests of users of telecommunication services.”

The Minister said the TRC also establishes and monitors the implementation of national telecommunications standards and ensures compliance. He said responsibility for the regulation of licensees and authorisation holders also rests with the commission.

Honourable Rymer added, “Ensuring fair competition among licensees and all other operators of telecommunication networks or providers of telecommunications services also falls within its purview. The TRC, where appropriate, investigates complaints by users of their failure to obtain compensation from public suppliers or other licensees in respect of rates, billings and services provided, and facilitates relief where necessary.”

'We aim to be a top-class' body- Guy L. Malone

Chief Executive Officer of the TRC, Mr Guy L. Malone stated that the team at the commission is working in an ever-growing and ever-changing industry, filled with unique issues and setbacks.

“We aim to be a top-class, innovative, regulatory body at the commission by flawlessly accepting those setbacks and facing them head-on,” Mr Malone said.

He added that the commission joins with the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) in its international 53rd celebration under the theme “Digital Technologies for Older Persons and Healthy Aging” and its sub-theme, “Bridging the Digital Divide.”

'Constant evolution'

Meanwhile, Chairman of the TRC Mr Vance M. Lewis spoke of the importance of the internet for information, adding that digital technology has also changed lives in ways that hitherto would be unimaginable.

“As the regulator for communications in the British Virgin Islands, the TRC continues to celebrate this constant evolution, with increasing awareness of the vital role that communication plays,” Mr Lewis added.

The Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (TRC) is a statutory body responsible for regulating the telecommunications sector of the [British] Virgin Islands.