Do you think Trinidad’s framework is open enough to FDI or do you see the need for reform?

In terms of how easy it is to do business in Trinidad, various studies have been done and certain areas were identified as needing improvement. This is, of course, no different to anywhere else. In terms of infrastructure, particularly in telecommunications, we are on par with the best in the world. There is certainly the technical competence in Trinidad and Tobago to encourage investment.

What is your view on the telecommunications sector compared with that of neighbouring countries?

Our telecommunications can be looked at from three perspectives: mobile, fixed line, and enterprise. From the mobility perspective, we have one of the highest penetration rates in the Caribbean – 160% – which is on par with global standards.  Everyone has one of the two mobile competitors devices, our rates are the lowest in the region and our telecommunications reach is among the highest in the region. We have been a little behind our neighbours in rolling out LTE ubiquitously and that is going to be addressed this year. Whereas some of our neighbours rolled out LTE in 700 MHz, we have done so in 1900 MHz and were the first (and only) operator to do so.

How do you see the future of the telecommunication market?

RW: For us it represents an opportunity for a lot of growth. We have seen the explosion of data consumption in the last couple of years. Last year, we developed a five-year plan with a mandate to transform ourselves from being a traditional telecom into an agile broadband telecommunications company. We will spend TT$4Billion in five years.

There is insurmountable evidence that demonstrates that ICT development drives national development. We are also working towards having a network where everyone is connected; where you work, where you live, you would be connected either through your mobile phone or whatever using fibre or LTE technology. We also plan to move into the 5G space in the internet of things, it is a big part of our strategy to develop this level of connectivity.

What role has TSTT played in the diversification of Trinidad and Tobago’s economy?

To answer this, you must look at global developments. The largest hotel chain in the world is AirBnB, not the Hilton or Marriott. The largest retailers are Alibaba and Amazon, and the largest taxi service is Uber. The development of commerce is through the internet. These companies’ ability to allow persons to interact with them seamlessly and effortlessly online is their driving force. From a different perspective, the development of artificial intelligence, robotics, autonomous driving, etc. is driven by a robust broadband communications system. I can’t see us diversifying our economy unless there is a robust communication network that underpins everything. Our role from a national development perspective is to provide that communications backbone that allows for the development eventually of a cloud-based system that is powerful enough to provide for flourishing development.

Can you summarise what makes you stand out from your competitor Digicel?

RW: We are the only full service provider in Trinidad and Tobago. We provide fixed line services, all the fixed line in Trinidad and Tobago are still TSTT’s; we provide mobile services, 95% of the enterprise business in Trinidad and Tobago is TSTT; we have all the MPLS networks, Metro E networks; most government services are provided by TSTT, including national security services. This allows us to leverage ourselves to be the national player for development.

What final message would you like to send our readers?

RThere is a great opportunity in Trinidad and Tobago for investment and development. We do face challenges but they are no different from anywhere else, but the benefits are significant. The plans that companies like ourselves have are global plans; it’s no different to what AT&T or Orange are doing. It offers a unique opportunity to be part of what we see as a bright future for anybody who will be part of Trinidad and Tobago.