TCI Telecommunications Commission

𝗖𝗔𝗟𝗟𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗔𝗟𝗟 𝗬𝗢𝗨𝗡𝗚 𝗜𝗡𝗡𝗢𝗩𝗔𝗧𝗢𝗥𝗦 𝗔𝗖𝗥𝗢𝗦𝗦 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗖𝗔𝗥𝗜𝗕𝗕𝗘𝗔𝗡!

The CANTO Innovation Challenge 2026 is back for its third edition, inviting bright minds across the region to develop technology-driven solutions to real-world challenges impacting the Caribbean.

If you’re between 18–23 years old, this is your chance to turn bold ideas into meaningful impact and showcase your innovation on a regional stage.

Participants will compete across exciting Innovation Tracks including:
🌪 Climate & Disaster Resilience
🏛 Digital Government & Public Services
💙 Health, Well-Being & Inclusive Technology
📚 Education, Skills & Workforce Development
🌴 Smart Businesses, Tourism & Economic Growth

Solutions incorporating Artificial Intelligence and data-driven technologies are highly encouraged!

What’s up for grabs?
🥇1st Place: Trip for two to attend CANTO Connect 2027, $2000 USD, and participation in an exclusive mentorship programme.
🥈Prizes are also available for 2nd and 3rd place winners!

Your idea could help shape the future of the Caribbean.

📅 Application Deadline: May 25, 2026
🔗 Apply now: www.canto.org

Don’t miss this opportunity to innovate, collaborate, and make a difference in the Caribbean’s digital future.

𝗚𝗦𝗠𝗔 𝗠𝗪𝗖 𝗕𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗮 𝟮–𝟱 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲
𝟮𝟬𝘁𝗵 𝗔𝗻𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗘𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗺𝗲

The 2026 GSMA Ministerial Programme focused on the question “What does progress look like?” and highlighted how mobile connectivity now reaches nearly six billion people. Speakers stressed that past progress came from purposeful policy, cooperation, and long term planning while warning that the next phase will be shaped by geopolitical tensions, new digital governance models, and rapidly advancing AI. Governments were urged to preserve openness, interoperability, security, and investment-friendly regulation.

Three major themes dominated:
•𝗔𝗜: Telecom networks are essential for responsible, scalable AI deployment.
•𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗺: Faster 5G rollout requires long-term, investment oriented spectrum policy, especially in low band frequencies for rural coverage.
•𝗜𝗻𝘃𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁: Capital needs are rising globally, with the U.S., China, and the Gulf advancing quickly, while Europe struggles with fragmented regulation.

Multilateral bodies (OECD, ITU, UNHCR) emphasized connectivity as a critical public good that supports access, affordability, security, and humanitarian needs warning that digital fragmentation threatens future innovation and global cooperation, including for 6G and AI.

A discussion with the U.S. FCC outlined America’s spectrum and infrastructure “build agenda,” cautioning Europe about restrictive “satellite sovereignty” policies. The EU highlighted reforms aimed at competitiveness and modernized regulation. Industry leaders reiterated that Europe needs scale and regulatory certainty to attract investment.

Deep dive sessions examined AI’s heavy energy requirements, global gaps in AI readiness, and the rapid rise of satellite direct to device services. Satellite connectivity was positioned as vital for remote areas and disaster resilience. Regulators were encouraged to clarify rules for spectrum sharing, emergency use, and security. Caribbean sessions reviewed Apple’s satellite SOS and related regulatory considerations.

Other discussions addressed island state challenges including service quality, regulator operator coordination, tower sharing, and whether to replace microwave backhaul with subsea fiber.

The Programme concluded by calling for a future of connectivity that is resilient, inclusive, secure, and supported by long-term investment and international cooperation.

𝗧𝘂𝗿𝗸𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗮𝗶𝗰𝗼𝘀 𝗜𝘀𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱𝘀 𝗧𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 (𝗧𝗖𝗜) 𝗢𝘂𝘁𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘀
For the TCI Telecommunications Commission, the event provided valuable guidance on spectrum planning, AI driven network evolution, cybersecurity, and satellite to device technology key for small island states. These insights will support improved regulatory certainty, resilience, emergency communications, and national digital development strategy.

The Commission held strategic meetings with:
•𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 on enabling default satellite emergency calling on Apple devices.
•𝗣𝗫𝗦 to progress number portability.
•𝗖𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗮 𝗟𝗶𝗺𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗱 on modernizing telecom and ICT legislation.
•𝗟𝗶𝗯𝗲𝗿𝘁𝘆 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗯𝗯𝗲𝗮𝗻 on sector development and regulatory improvements.

TCI also joined the GSMA Caribbean Roundtable, where regional regulators discussed use of satellite/D2D for resilience, AI opportunities and governance challenges, and strategies for strengthening network reliability. The importance of international partnerships for digital inclusion and sustainable regional development was strongly emphasized.

The Telecommunications Commission invites you to tune in to 1st Edition with Cheryl Forman this Tuesday, March 24th at 9AM.

Director General Kenva Williams will join Hon. Otis Morris, Minister of Public Safety and Utilities, for an important discussion on the recent satellite network decision and its implications for the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Listen live on RTC 89.1FM or watch via Facebook on RTC Station.

Stay informed and be part of the national conversation.

𝗣𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗦 𝗥𝗘𝗟𝗘𝗔𝗦𝗘
𝗗𝗲𝗰𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗡𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲-𝟬𝟮 𝗦𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗡𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸 – 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗟𝗶𝗰𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗗𝗲𝗰𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻

On 24 November 2025, the Telecommunications Commission issued Public Notice PN 2025-17, initiating a public consultation on the proposed regulatory framework governing satellite communications services within the Turks and Caicos Islands.

The consultation sought stakeholder views on:
•Satellite Network/Service Licensing for Non-Geostationary Satellite Orbit (NGSO)
•NGSO Spectrum Licensing Conditions
•Telecommunications Network and Spectrum Licence Fees.

Full details of Decision Notice 2026-02 Satellite Network – Service Licence Decision is now available electronically on the Turks and Caicos Telecommunications Commission website at https://telecommission.tc/press-release-decision-notice-2026-02-satellite-network-service-licence-decision/

𝗣𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗦 𝗥𝗘𝗟𝗘𝗔𝗦𝗘
𝗥𝗲: 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗣𝗼𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗠𝗮𝘁𝗿𝗶𝘅 (𝗟𝗶𝗰𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗦𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗡𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸/𝗦𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗺 𝗟𝗶𝗰𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗙𝗲𝗲 𝗙𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗲𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸)

The Telecommunications Commission has launched a second public consultation on the Licence Conditions for Satellite Network/Service and Spectrum License and Fee Framework, providing a matrix summarization of stakeholders’ submissions in response to **PN 2025-17 – Licence Conditions for Satellite Network/Service and Spectrum License and Fee Framework**.

Full details of **Public Notice 2026-4: Commission Position Matrix (Licence Conditions for Satellite Network/Service and Spectrum License and Fee Framework)** are now available electronically on the Turks and Caicos Telecommunications Commission website at:
at: https://telecommission.tc/news-turks-caicos-telecommunications

𝗣𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗦 𝗥𝗘𝗟𝗘𝗔𝗦𝗘
𝗥𝗲: 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝘂𝗹𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗦𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗡𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸/ 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲 - 𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗺 𝗟𝗶𝗰𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗙𝗲𝗲𝘀 𝗙𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗲𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸

The Telecommunications Commission has launched a public consultation to gather feedback on proposed licence conditions and fee structures for satellite services. The framework includes conditions for satellite network/service licences (covering LEO, MEO, and GEO systems), spectrum licences primarily in the Ku/Ka bands, and related fees for both network/service and spectrum authorizations. Its goal is to establish a unified, technology-neutral, and future-ready regulatory regime for satellite operators entering the TCI market.

Full details of Public Notice 2025-17 Consultations on Satellite Network/ Service - Spectrum License and Fees Framework are now available electronically on the Turks and Caicos Telecommunications Commission Website at: https://telecommission.tc/news-turks-caicos-telecommunications

Photo highlights from the Middle Caicos Community Walkthrough.
The Turks and Caicos Islands Telecommunications Commission (TCITC) continues its island-wide outreach, and Middle Caicos welcomed us with open arms. Thank you for sharing your concerns and taking the time to learn more about how we’re working together to strengthen communication services across the TCI. It was a pleasure meeting residents and an extra joy spending time with the students of Doris Robinson Primary School.

Photo highlights from the North Caicos Community Outreach.
The Turks and Caicos Islands Telecommunications Commission (TCITC) continues its island-wide outreach. Thank you, North Caicos, for sharing your concerns and learning more about how we’re working together to improve communication services across the TCI.

𝗢𝗙𝗙𝗜𝗖𝗘 𝗖𝗟𝗢𝗦𝗨𝗥𝗘 𝗡𝗢𝗧𝗜𝗖𝗘

Please be advised that our office will be closed to the public on Thursday, November 20th, 2025, and Friday, November 21st, 2025. For any enquiries, assistance, or urgent matters, please contact us at 232-8852 and a team member will be happy to help.

𝗡𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗛 𝗖𝗔𝗜𝗖𝗢𝗦 𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗠𝗨𝗡𝗜𝗧𝗬 𝗢𝗨𝗧𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗖𝗛 𝗠𝗘𝗘𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚

The Turks and Caicos Islands Telecommunications Commission (TCITC) is coming to your community. Join us for an exciting outreach session in North Caicos to meet the TCITC team, share your telecommunications concerns, and learn how we’re working together to enhance communication services across the islands.

Enjoy music by DJ Space, along with refreshments and giveaways as we connect, listen, and strengthen communication links within our communities.

Date: Thursday, 20th November 2025
Time: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Location: District Commissioner’s Office, Bottle Creek, North Caicos

https://www.facebook.com/share/17YJdZvFQ8/

🌴 CANCION Issue 2 Feature: Fixing and Delivering Sustainable Infrastructure ⚙️

How can Caribbean nations strengthen resilience, equity, and sustainability in telecom and infrastructure development?

In this feature, Kenva Williams, Director General of the Turks and Caicos Islands Telecommunications Commission and Executive Member of OOCUR, shares insights from the TCI Business Outlook Forum 2025, tackling the high costs of infrastructure, the impact of climate change, and the urgent need for equitable, innovative solutions across the islands. 🌊

📖 Read the full article in CANCION Issue 2!
👉 Download for FREE: https://www.flipsnack.com/cantopublications/cancion-2025_issue-2/full-view.html