CASTRIES, St Lucia, CMC-The Eastern Caribbean Telecommunications Authority (ECTEL) remains a critical safeguard for consumers in the region as technological change accelerates, particularly amid the rise of artificial intelligence and the evolution of digital markets.
That message came from Konris Maynard, Chairman of ECTEL’s Council of Ministers and Minister for Information, Communications and Technology in St. Kitts and Nevis, during welcome remarks at the authority’s 49th Council of Ministers Meeting held recently.
“The work of ECTEL is important in the regulatory space and in this changing world,” Maynard said, noting that the organisation plays a key role in ensuring consumers across member states are protected as markets and technologies rapidly evolve.
ECTEL Managing Director David A. Cox reported that several key matters were advanced during the meeting, including the approval of the organisation’s Strategic Plan.
“We managed to achieve quite a lot that was positive for ECTEL,” Cox said. “I am pleased to report that the Strategic Plan has now been approved. This means we can begin the process of budgetary preparations and implementation.”
Council members also received the results of ECTEL’s Digital Inclusion Survey (DIS), which examined how individuals and households across member states access and use digital technologies.
The survey was designed to identify barriers to participation in the digital economy and revealed both encouraging progress and ongoing challenges in digital access across the region.
The Council of Ministers serves as the highest decision-making body within the ECTEL framework. Its responsibilities include promoting the effective implementation of the ECTEL Treaty, fostering competition in the telecommunications sector, and ensuring accessible pricing and quality service for citizens of member states.
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