Chief Executive Officer of the Telecommunications Services of Trinidad & Tobago (TSTT), Lisa Agard, has written to the Telecommunications Authority of T&T (TATT) questioning the presence of the Blue Mobile Network under existing laws.
Blue Mobile Network, however, claims it has been given the green light to proceed by TATT and the Cyber Crime Unit, once it removes the word ‘Mobile’ from its name.
Blue Mobile Network postponed a proposed launch of a new mobile service for T&T this morning after dozens of people turned up to benefit from an offer of mobile phones and laptops at the cost of TT$1 as part of its marketing plans.
Agard’s letter on Friday was addressed to TATT’s Chief Executive Officer Cynthia Reddock-Downes.
Agard noted that throughout the day on June 8, social media platforms were inundated by a marketing blitz declaring the launch of Blue Mobile Network and Agard pointed out to TATT that the notice advised that the entity was “leveraging the network of an existing service provider”.
“This suggests that this entity is a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (“MVNO”) service. The marketing material refers to “STAR – The Blue Mobile Network” and an entity called Grapes Technology Group,” she said.
Agard added that a company search indicated that there is a company called Grapes for a Good Life Ltd, with a related person as a director.
“In any event, as TATT is aware, such a service and/or operation requires a Concession by virtue of section 21 of the Telecommunications Act, Chap 47:31. Section 21 (t) provides as follows:- ‘No person shall operate a public telecommunications network or provide a public telecommunications service or broadcasting service without a Concession granted by the Minister’,” she said.
The letter continued: “A diligent search by TSTT on the Authority’s website can find no reference to any of the entities names above as having been granted a Concession. TSTT further takes the opportunity to remind the Authority that a breach of Section 21(t), is an offence under section 65(a) of the Telecommunications Act and that any person who violates that provision is liable on summary conviction to a fine of $250k and to imprisonment for five years.”
Agard told TATT that TSTT can only surmise that this party is either “seeking to operate in direct contravention of the Telecommunications Act” or “seeking to hoodwink the population in an attempt to extract money from an unsuspecting public”.
Agard added, “In either instance, TSTT requests TATT act without delay to issue public notices in traditional as well as social media to forewarn the public of the illegal activities associated with this party. We look forward to your prompt action in this regard.”
Meanwhile, Star Network, the operator of Blue Mobile Network, issued a statement on its Facebook page claiming that the Telecommunications Authority of Trinidad and Tobago (TATT), as well as the Cyber Crime Unit of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service, visited them at the launch pn Friday.
“TATT advised that STAR Network can operate as the ‘BLUE Network’ but with the word ‘Mobile’ removed. They have applauded our efforts to provide better access to quality devices and internet connectivity to the people of Trinidad and Tobago,” Star Network said.
It added, “We understand that TSTT is trying to misconstrue information to the public by indicating we are a Mobile Virtual Network Operator. This information is misleading and false. Our “Network” of international and local partners are committed to providing superior value and we expect that other companies (Such as TSTT) affected by our innovative solutions would be upset.”
At the time of this article, TATT was yet to officially comment on the matter.
