View report - NTRC Dominica
Transcription
View report - NTRC Dominica
2011 National Telecommunications Regulatory Commission Annual Report ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The National Telecommunications Regulatory Commission acknowledges the contribution of the Secretariat for their diligence and dedication towards the completion of this year’s report. The Commission would also like to extend its sincere gratitude to the various government institutions Customs and Excise Division, Central Statistical Office and the Inland Revenue Division for their assistance. National Telecommunications Regulatory Commission –Dominica 2011 Annual Report Page i TABLE OF CONTENTS ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS .................................................................................... i LIST OF FIGURES .......................................................................................... iv LIST OF TABLES............................................................................................. v 1.0 Chairman’s Report ................................................................................ 6 2.0 About the NTRC: What We Do & Who We Are ........................................... 8 3.0 Vision .................................................................................................. 8 4.0 Mission ................................................................................................ 8 5.0 The Commission ................................................................................... 8 6.0 The Secretariat ................................................................................... 10 7.0 Human Resource Development ............................................................. 11 8.0 Operations Review .............................................................................. 12 8.1 Public Consultations .......................................................................... 12 8.2 Approved Regulations ........................................................................ 15 8.3 Regulatory Functions – Licensing and Technical .................................... 16 8.4 Licensed Telecommunications Service Providers .................................... 17 8.5 Radio Broadcasting............................................................................ 19 8.6 Financial Review ............................................................................... 19 9.0 Impact of Telecommunications on Economic and Social Development ......... 22 9.1 Impact of Telecommunications on Economic Development ...................... 22 9.2 Impact of Telecommunications of Government Revenue ......................... 25 9.3 Employment Creation within the Telecommunications Sector................... 25 10.0 Trends in the Telecommunications Market ............................................... 27 10.1 Revenues and Investments ................................................................ 27 10.2 Fixed Voice Market Data .................................................................... 28 10.3 Internet Market Data ......................................................................... 30 10.4 Market Data ..................................................................................... 32 Appendices 1 - 8 .......................................................................................... 34 Appendix 1: Telecommunications Licenses ...................................................... 34 National Telecommunications Regulatory Commission –Dominica 2011 Annual Report Page ii Appendix 2: Applications for Individual License .............................................. 36 Appendix 3A: Applications for Type A Class Licenses ........................................ 37 Appendix 3B: Applications for Broadcast Systems Class Licenses ....................... 38 Appendix 4: Applications for Type B Class Licenses ........................................ 39 Appendix 5A: Applications for Type C Class Licenses – Type Approval ................. 40 Appendix 5B: Applications for Type C Class Licenses – Equipment Dealer ............ 43 Appendix 6: Applications for Frequency Authorization ..................................... 44 Appendix 7: Fees Collected ......................................................................... 45 Appendix 8: Auditor’s Report and Financial Statements................................... 46 National Telecommunications Regulatory Commission –Dominica 2011 Annual Report Page iii LIST OF FIGURES Figure Figure Figure Figure Figure Figure Figure Figure Figure Figure Figure Figure Figure Figure Figure Figure National 1: 2: 3: 4: 5: 6: 7: 8: 9: 10: 11: 12: 13: 14: 15: 16: Individual License Holders in Dominica at December 2011 ............... 18 Class License (Type A) Holders in Dominica at December 2011 ........ 18 Distribution of Fees collected ....................................................... 20 Breakdown of Fees collected ........................................................ 21 Top contributors to Gross Domestic Product ................................... 23 Employment in the Telecommunications sector .............................. 26 Payroll of the Telecommunications service providers (XCD millions) .. 26 Revenues generated by telecommunications service type ................ 27 Revenues and Investment in telecommunications sector ................. 28 Fixed Line customers and Fixed Line penetration ............................ 29 Fixed Line penetration in ECTEL States .......................................... 29 Internet Service customers and penetration rate ............................ 30 Prices as a % of GNI ................................................................... 31 Internet penetration rates in ECTEL States..................................... 32 Mobile service customers and penetration rate - Dominica ............... 32 Mobile penetration rates in ECTEL States ....................................... 33 Telecommunications Regulatory Commission –Dominica 2011 Annual Report Page iv LIST OF TABLES Table Table Table Table Table National 1: 2: 3: 4: 5: Trainings,Workshops & Meetings Attended by Staff & Commissioners’ .... 11 Summary of 2011 Consultations ........................................................ 14 Distribution of Fees Collected ............................................................ 20 Growth Rate of Gross Value Added by Economic Activity ...................... 24 Government Revenue from the Telecommunications Sector .................. 25 Telecommunications Regulatory Commission –Dominica 2011 Annual Report Page v PART I: THE NATIONAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS REGULATORY COMMISSION 1.0 Chairman’s Report Overview This report is the 7th report written by the National Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (NTRC) under section 28 of the Telecommunications Act, 2000. The report covers the period January 1, 2011 to December 31, 2011, highlighting the activities carried out by the NTRC, and delineates the impact of the telecommunications sector on Dominica’s economy and development. Regulatory Functions As the chief regulatory body for the telecommunications sector in Dominica, the administrative functions undertaken by the NTRC included the processing of telecommunications licenses, frequency authorizations, as well as type approvals. In 2011, the Commission received a total of seventy-three (73) applications for licenses and frequency authorizations, however sixty-eight (68) were recommended and sixty-seven were approved and issued. Twenty-nine (29) of these were Type Approvals. In keeping with the promotion of the ECTEL Treaty, the NTRC held six (6) public consultations in order to collaborate with stakeholders and the wider public on issues and matters as they relate to decision making within the telecommunications sector. Further, during this period, three (3) regulations were promulgated, namely, the Telecommunications (Retail Tariffs) Regulations, the Telecommunications (Amateur Radio) Regulations, and the Telecommunications (Exemption) Regulations. At the end of the review period, there were eleven (11) individual licensed service providers. These licenses included: four (4) Fixed Public Telecommunications, two (2) Public Mobile Telecommunications, three (3) Internet Network and Services and two (2) Submarine Cable Landing Licenses. National Telecommunications Regulatory Commission –Dominica 2011 Annual Report Page 6 Economic Impact In 2011, the telecommunications sector continued to play a significant role in Dominica’s economy. The Transport, Storage & Communication sector contributed XCD $147.68 million to Dominica’s GDP. From this, the exclusive contribution of the telecommunications sector to Dominica’s economy was XCD $64.35 million, which represented a 0.53 % increase, over the previous year. In 2011, revenues within the telecommunications sector were estimated to be approximately XCD $91.7 million. This represented a 4.6 % decrease in revenues as compared to 2010. However, investments by the telecommunications service providers totaled XCD $16.7 million, which represented a 1.8 % increase in relation to 2010. After four (4) years of decreasing employment within the telecommunications sector due to mergers, outsourcing and the declining revenues of the service providers, employment within the telecommunications sector increased by 2.75 %. Telecommunications Market Trends In 2011 the national customer base of fixed line subscribers, as well as mobile subscribers decreased; 45 % and 3.72 % respectively. The sharp decline in fixed line customers, and therefore the resulting revenues generated from fixed lines was direct impact of the customers’ transition from fixed line to mobile phones. The decline in mobile phone customers however was attributed to market saturation, since for the past eight (8) years mobile service customers, and the penetration rate had been constantly increasing. In 2011, the Internet customer base increased by 9.12 %, with one additional service provider offering service. Dominica was well on its way to achieving the target of fixed broadband prices at 5% of gross national income by 2015, set by the Broadband Development Commission towards meeting the Millennium Development Goals. The NTRC is committed to the people and the Government of Dominica to improve the quality and access of telecommunication services in Dominica. Curtiss Winston Chairman National Telecommunications Regulatory Commission Commonwealth of Dominica National Telecommunications Regulatory Commission –Dominica 2011 Annual Report Page 7 2.0 About the NTRC: What We Do & Who We Are The National Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (NTRC) was established by the Telecommunications Act, 2000 (Act No. 8 of 2000). The Telecommunications (Commencement Date) Order, 2001 (S.R.O. No. 10 of 2001) brought the Act into operation on the 1st day of February, 2001. The Telecommunications Act and the regulations made hereunder established the Commission, defined its structure, role and functions and empowered it to do all things necessary or convenient to be done for or in connection with the performance of its functions. The role of the NTRC is to effectively regulate the telecommunications sector, to balance the interest of consumers and telecommunications providers, and to advise on the formulation of national telecommunications policy, with a view to ensuring the efficient, economic and harmonized development of telecommunications, broadcasting and radio communications in the Commonwealth of Dominica. 3.0 Vision Universal and affordable access to high quality public telecommunications services by 2012 and beyond, whilst optimizing the potential of the sector for contributing to Dominica’s socio- economic growth. 4.0 Mission To work within the ECTEL framework to effectively regulate the telecommunications sector, in harmony with other Member States while balancing the interests of consumers and telecommunications providers and providing advice to the Minister of telecommunications matters, with a view to ensuring the efficient, economic and harmonized development of telecommunications in the Commonwealth of Dominica. 5.0 The Commission At 31st December 2011, there were five (5) Commissioners serving on the Commission. On May 1st 2011, Ms. Colleen Felix was appointed to the Commission. Ms. Felix, has been a member of the Dominica Bar Association for three (3) years, and has been in private practice since commencing practice at the private Bar. National Telecommunications Regulatory Commission –Dominica 2011 Annual Report Page 8 The members of the Commission for the period under review were: Curtiss Winston: Chairman Colleen Felix-Grant: Commissioner Willie Fevrier: Commissioner Colleen Felix: Commissioner Careen Prevost: Commissioner National Telecommunications Valentine Joseph: Commissioner Regulatory Commission –Dominica 2011 Annual Report Page 9 6.0 The Secretariat Section 27 of the Telecommunications Act, 2000 provides for the Commission to have such staff as is necessary for the performance of its functions. The staff at the Secretariat at December 2011 included: Craig Nesty Executive Director George James Telecoms Engineer Cheryl Tavernier Administrative Assistant Vida Williams Office Attendant Urania Williams Universal Service Fund Administrator National Telecommunications Regulatory Clementine Josephs Administrative Officer Austin Andre Assistant Telecoms Engineer Commission –Dominica 2011 Annual Report Page 10 7.0 Human Resource Development In 2011, The NTRC staff and Commissioners participated in various training seminars and workshops as indicated in table 1 below. Table 1: Trainings, Workshops and Meetings Attended by Staff and Commissioners Training/Workshops/ Meetings Electronic Number Mapping (ENUM) Seminar ICT Training Workshop 12 th ECTEL/NTRC Consultative forum Venue Attendee (s) Organized by Port –of Spain Trinidad & Tobago Mr. George James Engineer TATT, ENUM LLC & CTU Date 10.02.11 – 11.02.11 14.03.11 – 17.03.11 Port –of Spain Trinidad &Tobago 10.05.11– 11.05.11 XVII Meeting of CITEL’s Permanent Consultative 17.05.11 – 20.05.11 Committee II: Radiocommunications including Broadcasting (PCC.II) Grenada Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic Mr Craig Nesty, Executive Director CANTO Ms Urania Williams USF Administrator Mr Curtiss Winston, Chairman Mr Craig Nesty Executive Director ECTEL CTU & CITEL Mr Craig Nesty Executive Director Mr Curtiss Winston, Chairman Dispute Resolution Training Workshop 25.08.11 – 26.08.11 Dominica Mr Willie Fevrier Mr Valentine Joseph Ms Colleen Felix Ms Careen Prevost Commissioners Mr Craig Nesty Executive Director ECTEL Ms Clementine Josephs, Administrative Officer Ms Urania Williams, USF Administrator ITU Centre of Excellence Workshop on “Regulatory Trends 13.12.11 – 15.12.11 in a Converging Environment” National Telecommunications Port –of Spain Trinidad &Tobago Regulatory Craig Nesty Curtiss Winston Commission –Dominica 2011 Annual Report ITU Page 11 Part II: Year in Review 8.0 Operations Review 8.1 Public Consultations Public consultations are an important part of the regulatory process as it provides the NTRC with an opportunity to collaborate with stakeholders and the wider public on issues and matters as they relate to decision making within the telecommunications sector. Six (6) consultations were conducted during the review period. Table 2 summarizes the consultations for 2011, and provides the status of the consultations at the end of the review period. 1. Number Portability (NP) This consultation was the first phase of ECTEL’s recommendation to transition into the introduction of Number Portability. As such, the purpose of the consultation was to introduce the parameters that will guide the implementation of Number Portability within ECTEL member states. 2. Draft Policy on Confidential Aspects of Approved Interconnection Agreements This consultation was held in order to determine and establish the portions of currently approved interconnection agreements that will be kept in the confidential section of the interconnection registrar that is maintained by the National Telecommunications Regulatory Commissions of the ECTEL Member States. ECTEL recommended that all currently approved interconnection agreements are made available via download to the general public. 3. LIME’s Proposed Reference Interconnection Offer (RIO) The main objective of the consultation was to obtain the views of interested parties on LIME’s proposed Reference Interconnection Offer (RIO). Although RIO has to be approved by the NTRC, it is intended to promote an increased level of predictability and transparency in interconnection within ECTEL jurisdictions. National Telecommunications Regulatory Commission –Dominica 2011 Annual Report Page 12 4. Guidelines for pricing of Access to Facilities in the ECTEL Member States ECTEL’s main purpose for conducting this consultation was to make recommendations to the National Telecommunications Regulatory Commission on how pricing access to facilities could be determined for cases in which the telecommunications providers were unable to reach an agreement on the pricing of shared infrastructure. 5. New License Templates and Revised Schedules This consultation was undertaken in order to determine the views of interested parties in regard to the proposed scope of several new telecommunications licenses. The new draft licenses that ECTEL rolled out included: Mobile Virtual Network Operations (MVNO), Resale of Leased Circuits (RLC) Service, Value Added Services (VAS), Internet Exchange Point (IXP) Service, and Internet Protocol (IP) Telephony License. ECTEL recommended the adaptation of the proposed licenses and the necessary amendments to the fee regulations to reflect the new licences and other fee proposals in the ECTEL Member States. 6. Draft Electronic Communications Bill On 27th September 2010, the NTRC received from ECTEL the draft Electronic Communications Bill for review by the NTRCs by 31st October 2010. This was to be followed by a public awareness and consultation campaign on the draft Bill. The goal of this Bill was to reform telecommunications legislation within the ECTEL Member States by repealing or replacing the Telecommunications Act with Legislation that has a broader scope to include the electronic communications sector. On February 3, 2011, a national consultation was held to discuss the new draft Electronic Communications Bill. National Telecommunications Regulatory Commission –Dominica 2011 Annual Report Page 13 Table 2: Summary of 2011 Consultations No. Consultation Matters Period of Consultation Objective Status Pending Pending 1 Number Portability (NP) 06.22.11 – 09.16.11 Promotion of discussions on NP provisions laid down by the new provisions in them Universal Service Directive 2 Draft Policy on Confidential Aspects of Approved Interconnection Agreements 06.22.11 – 09.16.11 Policy Document 3 LIME’s Proposed Reference Interconnection Offer (RIO) Adoption of document to promote transparency in interconnection 06.22.11 – 10.03.11 Setting the rate for access to facilities where providers fail to reach agreement on rates 4 Guidelines for pricing of Access to Facilities in the ECTEL Member States 5 New License Templates and Revised Schedules 12.01.11 – 02.29.12 Draft Electronic Communications Bill 09.27.10 – 10.31.10; National consultation held 03.02.11 6 National 11.10.11 – 01.06.12 Telecommunications Regulatory Pending Pending Adoption of proposed licenses and effect necessary amendments to the Fees Regulations Pending Reform of legislation relating to telecommunications in the ECTEL States Pending Commission –Dominica 2011 Annual Report Page 14 8.2 Approved Regulations In 2011, three (3) regulations were approved. The approved regulations were the Telecommunications (Retail Tariff) Regulations, Telecommunications (Amateur Radio) Regulations and Telecommunications (Exemption) Regulations. 1. Telecommunications (Retail Tariff) Regulations The scope of the draft regulations remained essentially the same as the existing regulations, with a minor exception – the regulations permit the Commission to consider wholesale prices to the extent that they affect or are related to the retail pricing conduct of the provider. On 7th July 2010, ECTEL submitted the draft Regulations to the NTRC for comments by 30th July. Subsequently, the Regulations were sent out for public consultation which ran from 5th August to 11th October 2010. The regulations were approved on September 25, 2011. However, at the end of the period under review the Regulations were not promulgated. 2. Telecommunications (Amateur Radio) Regulations The draft Telecommunications (Amateur radio) Regulations were submitted by ECTEL on 7th July 2010, for review by the Commission prior to being sent out for public consultation. Public consultation on the draft Regulations ran from 5th August to 11th October 2010. The regulations were approved on September 25, 2011. However, at the end of the period under review the Regulations were not promulgated. 3. Telecommunications (Exemption) Regulations The Telecommunications (Exemption) Regulations exempt certain telecommunications stations and apparatus from the requirements to be licensed under the Telecommunications Act. Provision was also made for the use of certain devices that use electromagnetic spectrum so as to minimize any probable harmful interference. The Draft Exemption Regulations were consulted upon between November 2006 and February 2007. They were approved at the 15th Council of Ministers on May 18, 2007. ECTEL submitted the approved Regulations to the Ministry of National Telecommunications Regulatory Commission –Dominica 2011 Annual Report Page 15 Telecommunications on July 4, 2007 for processing Regulations were promulgated on November 10, 2011. and publication. The 8.3 Regulatory Functions – Licensing and Technical The NTRC engaged in a number of matters related to licensing and other technical matters. During the reporting period the Commission received a total of seventythree (73) applications for Licenses and Frequency Authorizations. Sixty -eight (68) applications were recommended, while sixty-seven (67) were approved and also issued (Appendix 1). Individual Licenses In 2011, only one (1) individual license application – Internet Networks/Services, was received during the period under review (Appendix 2). This application was received from Wikibuli Communications Inc. Class Licenses Class licenses are subdivided into a number of categories, which include Type A, Type B and Type C Licenses (Figure 1). Type A Private Networks/Services Value-Added Services Internet Service Provision Type B Radio Licenses •Land Mobile •Maritime mobile •Aeronautical mobile •Amateur radio •Familly radio •Citizen band radio •Community Radio Type C Customer Premises Wireman Cerification Type Approval Certification Customer Premises Installation & Repair Certification Telecommunications Equipment Dealer International Simple Voice Resale Figure 1: Subcategories of Class Licences National Telecommunications Regulatory Commission –Dominica 2011 Annual Report Page 16 Five (5) applications for Type A class licenses were received and, six (6) licenses were approved and issued, which included a licenses application from the previous reporting period (Appendices 3A-3B). Within the Type B sub-category, twenty-six (26) applications were received and issued (Appendix 4). While in the Type-C category, six (6) applications for Telecommunications Equipment Dealer were received however, none were approved or issued (Appendix 5B). Type Approval Type approval, which falls under the Type C subcategory of Class Licenses, is required to ensure that equipment used and offered for sale on the local market is not a potential source of harmful interference, and this equipment conforms to required telecommunications standards. Twenty-nine (29) applications were type approved (Appendix 5A). Special Licenses No Special licenses were issued by the Minister of Telecommunications during this reporting period. Frequency Authorizations During the period under review, the NTRC received six (6) applications for frequency authorization. However, seven (7) applications were recommended and six (6) were approved and issued. (Appendix 6) 8.4 Licensed Telecommunications Service Providers Individual Licensed Service Providers At the end of the review period, there were eleven (11) individual licenses holders. These licenses included: four (4) Fixed Public Telecommunications, two (2) Public Mobile Telecommunications, three (3) Internet Network and Services and two (2) Submarine Cable Landing Licenses Figure 1). National Telecommunications Regulatory Commission –Dominica 2011 Annual Report Page 17 Individual Licensed Service Providers Fixed Public Telecommunications Public Mobile Telecommunications Internet and Network Services Submarine Cable Landing •Cable & Wireless Dominica Ltd/ LIME •Cable & Wireless Dominica Ltd/ LIME •Cable & Wireless Dominica Ltd/ LIME •Middle Caribbean Network •Marpin 2K4 Limited •Digicel (Dominica) Limited •Marpin 2K4 Limited •Cable & Wireless Dominica Ltd/ LIME •Iristel (DA) Inc * •SAT Telecommunications Ltd* Figure 1: •SAT Telecommunications Ltd* Individual License Holders in Dominica at December 2011 Source: ECTEL/NTRC Dominica 1.1.1.1 Class Licensed Service Providers * Service provider has not started offering the service to the public as of December 2011 Class Licensed Service Providers As of December 2011, there were six (6) Class License (Type A) holders, however, none of the holders provided any significant level of telecommunications services to the general public (Figure 2). International Simple Voice Resale (ISVR) Private Networks/Services Dominica Electricity Services (DOMLEC) GlobeCast UK Ltd National NS Optimum (Caribbean) Grace Internet & Rental Services Voicetel Inc Figure 2: Internet Services Provision Computer & Trading Solutions (CATS) Ltd Class License (Type A) Holders in Dominica at December 2011 Telecommunications Regulatory Commission –Dominica 2011 Annual Report Page 18 8.5 Radio Broadcasting There were three (3) reports of Q95, on the assigned frequency of 97.5 MHz in Marigot, which caused interference to Kairi FM’s 88.7 MHz in the Marigot area. Both stations had been co-located on the same antenna tower owned by LIME. The first complaint was officially submitted on March 11, 2011. It was observed that because of the deteriorating conditions of the Kairi FM’s Receiving antenna system at Marigot, the signal received from Portsmouth for rebroadcast in the Marigot area was susceptible to interference. The NTRC recommended and ensured that Q95 moved their transmission antenna furthest away from Kairi’s receiving antenna and that Q95 reduce their output power to about half, in order to cease the interference problem. The second complaint was submitted on June 1, 2011 and the third complaint was made on November 24, 2011. In both cases, it was observed that the cause of the problem was the further deterioration of Kairi’s receiving antenna and cabling for the reception of Kairi’s signal from Portsmouth. Furthermore, there was a slight suspicion that the vulnerability of Kairi’s signal was also affected by intermodulation caused by FM signal(s), supposedly, from the French Territories. Kairi FM was advised to optimize their receiving system to resolve the matter. Since then, it appeared that some work had been done to optimize Kairi’s receiving system at Marigot. 8.6 Financial Review Revenue Collected The revenues generated by the NTRC are based on license fees (individual and class licenses), frequency authorizations (Spectrum Fees), as well as numbering fees. For the 2011 review period the combined total amount of revenue collected by the NTRC was $4,718,632.99 XCD (Table 3). National Telecommunications Regulatory Commission –Dominica 2011 Annual Report Page 19 Table 3: Distribution of Fees Collected Category of Fees NTRC's Revenue Fees Collected License Fees 2,603,432.99 Spectrum Fees 2,053,250.00 752,960.00 61,950.00 61,950.00 4,718,632.99 100% Numbering Fees Total %age of Total Fees Collected Remitted to ECTEL Remitted to Government 2,603,432.99 1,297,090.00 3,200.00 814,910.00 1,297,090.00 2,606,632.99 17.3% 27.5% 55.2% It is important to note that not all the revenues collected by the NTRC are actually retained by the Commission. The fees obtained for frequency authorizations are submitted to the Eastern Caribbean Telecommunications Authority (ECTEL), however, ECTEL appropriates a portion of the frequency authorizations to the NTRC’s operational budget. All license fees are remitted to the Government of Dominica, and Numbering Fees are retained by the NTRC. Table 3 gives a summary of the total amount and the distribution of all the license fees, frequency authorization fees and numbering fees that were collected in 2011. NTRC's Allocation, 17.3% Government Revenue, 55.2% Remitted to ECTEL, 27.5% Figure 3: National Distribution of Fees collected Telecommunications Regulatory Commission –Dominica 2011 Annual Report Page 20 In 2011, there was a 22.7 % decrease in the license fees collected by the NTRC, as well as a 20.41 % decrease in the fees collected for frequency authorizations. These decreases were as a result of (1) late payments made outside the relevant due period and (2) also, in the case frequency authorisation fees, surrender/relinquishment of frequencies resulted in a reduction of fees collected. However, there was a 3.7 % increase in the numbering fees collected by the NTRC, over the previous (2010) reporting period. $0.06 2011 $2.05 $2.60 $0.06 2010 $2.59 $3.37 $0.12 2009 $2.98 $3.68 2008 $2.81 2007 $2.82 2006 $1.90 $1.58 $0.93 $3.47 $- $1.00 $2.00 $3.00 $4.00 $5.00 $6.00 Figure 4: Spectum fees $8.00 Millions Total Fees Collected License Fees $7.00 Numbering Fees Breakdown of Fees collected NTRC Budget NTRC’s financial year extends from October to September, as such, this report address the financial period October 1, 2010 to September 30, 2011. In September 2011, the NTRC received its annual expenditure budget from ECTEL, which was a total of $752,960.00 XCD. This represented a 3.7 % increase in the budget received during the 2010 period, XCD $726,050.00; namely due to increased staff costs. See Appendix 8 for the audited financial statements, October 1, 2010 to September 30, 2011. National Telecommunications Regulatory Commission –Dominica 2011 Annual Report Page 21 Part III: The Scope & Development of the Telecommunication’s Sector within Dominica’s Economy 9.0 Impact of Telecommunications on Economic and Social Development 9.1 Impact of Telecommunications on Economic Development Dominica’s economy continued to grow in 2011 as economic performance was represented by a 1.71 % increase in Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This increase in performance is mainly attributed to trends in Transport, Storage & Communication, Wholesale & Retail, and Education sectors. These sectors contributed XCD $147.68M, XCD $148.65M, and XCD $125.58M, respectively to Dominica’s economy. Within this same period, 2011, the exclusive contribution of the telecommunications sector to GDP was XCD $64.35M; this denotes a 0.53 % increase in the contributions of the Telecommunications sector to Dominica’s GDP. Among the sectors that contributed the most to Dominica’s GDP, the Transport, Storage & Communications sector sustained the position as an eminent contributor to Dominica’s economy since 2005. The contribution of the telecommunications sector accounted for approximately 43.6 % of GDP as it relates to the Transport, Storage & Communications sector; XCD $64.35M. In 2011, the telecommunications sector’s contribution to Dominica’s economy was more than that of the Electricity & Water Supply sector (XCD $53.45M), as well as the Mining & Quarrying, Manufacturing, and Hotel & Restaurant sectors combined (XCD $62.7M). Figure 5 illustrates the top 8 contributors to GDP relative to the contributions of the telecommunications sector. National Telecommunications Regulatory Commission –Dominica 2011 Annual Report Page 22 Top Eight (8) Contributors to GDP Relative to Telecommunications 180.00 160.00 Wholesale & Retail Trade Income ($ Million) 140.00 Transport, Storage and Communication 120.00 Education 100.00 Agriculture, Livestock & Forestry 80.00 Real Estate, Renting & Business Activities 60.00 Public Administration & Defense; Compulsary Social Security Financial Intermediation 40.00 20.00 Construction 0.00 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 Telecommunications Year Figure 5: Top contributors to Gross Domestic Product Based on Gross Value Added (GVA), growth in the telecommunications sector was lower than that of Dominica’s economy. The island’s economy grew by 1.71%, while the telecommunications sector grew by 0.52%. It is also important to note that the telecommunications sector grew more than the aggregate Transport, Storage & Communication sector, which grew by 0.40 % (Table 4). National Telecommunications Regulatory Commission –Dominica 2011 Annual Report Page 23 Table 4: Growth Rate of Gross Value Added by Economic Activity in Constant (2006) Prices Economic Activity 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 -0.48 0.55 -9.18 14.99 1.65 -7.92 7.51 3.64 23.90 25.83 -14.90 3.88 -17.51 11.78 -13.37 11.28 27.64 25.22 -47.17 -5.00 10.00 -2.56 5.36 -4.02 -12.23 -2.62 -1.46 -5.95 Electricity & Water Supply 8.93 1.40 1.85 2.08 6.83 5.77 -0.81 Construction 7.13 9.06 30.10 32.60 -7.27 8.70 4.45 Wholesale & Retail Trade -4.34 -4.91 16.97 15.27 4.72 0.04 7.19 Hotels & Restaurants -2.43 9.06 0.05 1.60 -4.05 0.52 8.28 Transport, Storage and Communication 10.21 7.97 8.34 7.72 -6.14 -0.89 0.40 Financial Intermediation 4.78 6.44 13.32 3.39 0.45 3.18 1.18 Real Estate, Renting & Business Activities 0.89 -1.06 1.32 1.89 2.56 0.29 0.38 Public Administration & Defense; Compulsory Social Security -5.45 2.07 1.81 -2.56 5.70 2.31 6.06 -15.53 13.69 -6.25 6.86 0.23 5.26 -8.09 Health & Social Work -3.58 -0.70 2.55 2.52 3.63 6.06 -0.75 Other Community, Social and Personal Services -1.33 4.35 2.68 -2.85 0.26 0.52 2.18 Private Households with Employed Persons 17.45 14.86 2.10 2.74 -1.33 6.08 7.01 Less FISIM 3.71 10.97 6.03 -0.12 5.14 5.14 0.78 Growth rate -1.74 3.67 3.94 7.77 -0.76 0.73 1.71 Telecommunications (%) 7.81 6.90 4.46 7.66 -5.04 -1.01 0.52 Agriculture, Livestock & Forestry Fishing Mining and Quarrying Manufacturing Education Source: Ministry of Finance – Central Statistical Office National Telecommunications Regulatory Commission –Dominica 2011 Annual Report Page 24 9.2 Impact of Telecommunications of Government Revenue In 2011, the Government of Dominica raised an excess of XCD $15.7 million in revenues from the telecommunications sector. These revenues were generated from import duties, value added tax (VAT), corporate income tax, and pay-as-youearn (PAYE). (Table 5). Table 5: Government Revenue from the Telecommunications Sector 2010 Telecommunications Receipts ($) 2011 Import Duties 1 $ 532,142.52 2 $ 1,062,990.04 License Fees $ 3,368,268.88 $ 2,603,432.99 Value Added Tax $ 9,559,377.72 $ 7,164,726.54 Corporate Income Tax $ 1,442,902.90 $ 3,013,820.48 Pay-as-You-Earn (PAYE) Total Telecommunications Receipts $ 1,578,941.92 $ 1,874,812.71 $ 15,949,491.42 $ 15,719,782.76 Source: Customs and Excise Division and Inland Revenue Division The Government revenues obtained from import duties in 2011 totaled XCD $1,062,990.04. The earnings from license fees and value added tax decreased by 22.7 % and 25.1 % respectively. From 2010 to 2011, there was an 18.7 % increase in the Government revenue generated from PAYE. However, the most significant increase in the revenues generated by the Government came from corporate income tax, where there was a 108.9 % increase in the revenue obtained by Government (Table 5). 9.3 Employment Creation within the Telecommunications Sector Data provided by the Inland Revenue Division indicated that employment within the telecommunications sector peaked in 2006, with a total of 338 employees. However, between 2007 and 2010, the number of persons employed within the sector declined due to increased competition and decrease in the revenues of service providers, the merger of licensed service providers, and service providers outsourcing business functions. In 2011 however, employment in the telecommunications sector increased by 2.75 %, to 261 employees (Figure 6). 1 2 Import Duties do not include environmental or any other taxes Import Duties for July – December 2010 National Telecommunications Regulatory Commission –Dominica 2011 Annual Report Page 25 Employment in the Telecommunications Sector 2011 261 2010 255 2009 270 Year 2008 292 2007 329 2006 338 2005 311 2004 328 2003 298 0 Figure 6: 50 100 150 200 250 Number of Persons Employed 300 350 400 Employment in the Telecommunications sector Source: Inland Revenue Division According to data provided by the Inland Revenue Division, in 2011 the total payroll of the five (5) active telecommunications service providers was XCD $11.8M. This represented an increase of approximately 4.3 % in the total payroll, as compared to the 2010 payroll figure of XCD $11.4M. The increase in the total payroll is a direct consequence of the increase in the total number of employees directly employed by the active service providers (Figure 7). Millions Payroll in the Telecommunications Sector $13.32 $13.50 $13.16 $13.22 $13.00 $12.50 $12.10 $12.20 $11.50 $11.89 $11.64 $12.00 $11.40 $11.12 $11.00 $10.50 $10.00 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 Year Figure 7: Payroll of the Telecommunications service providers (XCD millions) Source: Inland Revenue Division National Telecommunications Regulatory Commission –Dominica 2011 Annual Report Page 26 10.0 Trends in the Telecommunications Market 10.1 Revenues and Investments Revenues In 2011, revenues within the telecommunications sector were estimated to be approximately XCD $91.7 million. This represented a 4.6 % decrease in revenues as compared to 2010, XCD $96.1 million (Figure 9). The mobile sector continued to contribute the most to revenues, accounting for 54 % of total revenues, while broadband contributed 12%, and fixed line contributed 33% to total revenues obtained by licensed service providers (Figure 8Error! Reference source not found.). Revenue by Service Type Other 1% Fixedline 33% Mobile 54% Broadband 12% Figure 8: National Revenues generated by telecommunications service type Telecommunications Regulatory Commission –Dominica 2011 Annual Report Page 27 Investments $120 $50 $45 $100 Millions $40 $35 $80 Revenues $30 $60 $25 $20 $40 $15 $10 $20 $5 $- $2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 Revenues Figure 9: 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 Investments Revenues and Investment in telecommunications sector 10.2 Fixed Voice Market Data National Customer Base and Penetration Rate In 2011, the number of fixed line customers continued to decline. The total number of fixed line customers declined by 4.5 % in comparison to the previous period (Figure 10). It is important to note that fixed lines continued to act as a channel for broadband internet. As such, this may have delayed the rate of decline of fixed lines. The transition from fixed line to mobile was another factor that contributed to the decline in revenues from fixed lines, as consumers were embracing the flexibility and convenience of mobile calling. National Telecommunications Regulatory Commission –Dominica 2011 Annual Report Page 28 Investments Millions In 2011, investments by the telecommunications service providers totaled XCD $16.7 million. This represented a slight increase of 1.8 % from the previous year, 2010, XCD $16.4 million (Figure 9). Fixed Lines in Service & Fixed Line Penetration Customers Penetration Rate 40% 25,000 Customers 30% 25% 15,000 20% 10,000 15% 10% 5,000 Penetration Rate 35% 20,000 5% 0% 0 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 Year Figure 10: Fixed Line customers and Fixed Line penetration Fixed line penetration has been declining throughout all ECTEL Member States. However, Dominica and St. Lucia continued to show the lowest penetration rates of 21 % (Figure 11). 45% Penetration Rate 40% 35% 30% 25% 20% 15% 10% 5% 0% 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 Year Figure 11: Dominica Grenada St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Vincent and the Grenadines ECTEL States Average Fixed Line penetration in ECTEL States Source: Eastern Caribbean Telecommunications Authority National Telecommunications Regulatory Commission –Dominica 2011 Annual Report Page 29 10.3 Internet Market Data National Customer Base and Penetration Rate The growth of broadband internet is essential to the development of an ICT economy. In 2011, the internet customer base totaled 9,025. This represented a 9.12 % increase in the customer base, as compared to the previous year’s total of 8,271 customers (Figure 12). Internet (Broadband & Dial up) In Service and Penetration 14.0% 10,000 9,000 Customers 7,000 10.0% 6,000 8.0% 5,000 6.0% 4,000 3,000 4.0% 2,000 2.0% 1,000 0 Penetration Rate 12.0% 8,000 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 0.0% Year Figure 12: Customers Penetration Rate Internet Service customers and penetration rate The Broadband Commission for Digital Development, a partnership between the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) and UNESCO was established in May 2010 with the aim to boost the importance of broadband on the international policy agenda and believes that expanding broadband access in every country was key to accelerating progress towards the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) by the target date of 2015. One of the key targets of the Commission is to make Broadband affordable. By 2015, entry-level broadband services should be made affordable in developing countries through adequate regulation and market forces (amounting to less than 5% of average monthly income). National Telecommunications Regulatory Commission –Dominica 2011 Annual Report Page 30 Despite the presence of three (3) service providers in the market, namely:- LIME, Marpin 2K4 and SAT Telecommunications, the prices for 1 mbps, by the provider with the most market share, was $89. The affordability rate for fixed broadband in Dominica in 2011 was 5.9% of Gross National Income (GNI). Fixed Broadband Prices as a % of GNI St Vincent & Grenadines St Lucia St Kitts & Nevis Grenada Dominica 0% 2% 2011 Figure 13: 4% 2010 6% 8% 10% Target Prices as a % of GNI Source: ITU - Measuring Information Society Publication This was a percentage reduction of 31% from the previous year (2010), a value change of 2.6%. The change experienced in Dominica was not a result of price reduction but as a result of an increase in the GNI. It is important to note however, that 2011 was the first year that SAT Telecommunications offered Internet service to the public. Another key target of the Broadband Commission for Development was getting people online. By 2015, Internet user penetration should reach 60% worldwide, 50% in developing countries and 15% in less developed countries. The broadband penetration rate in Dominica for 2011 was 12.2 %. While this rate was lower than the average penetration rate of all ECTEL Member States, Dominica’s penetration rate was consistent with the penetration rate of the majority of ECTEL Member States (Figure 14). St Kitts & Nevis is the only island in the ECTEL States that enjoys a penetration rate in excess of 15%. It is important to note that this penetration figure only took into account the fixed broadband connection. With the proliferation of smartphones and tablets, more persons were using these handheld devices to connect to the Internet. National Telecommunications Regulatory Commission –Dominica 2011 Annual Report Page 31 Internet Penetration Rate in ECTEL States Penetration Rate 25.0% 20.0% 15.0% 10.0% 5.0% 0.0% 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 Year Dominica St. Kitts and Nevis St. Vincent and the Grenadines Figure 14: 10.4 Grenada St. Lucia ECTEL States Average Internet penetration rates in ECTEL States Mobile Market Data National Customer Base and Penetration Rate Mobile in Service and Mobile Penetration 160% 140% Customers 100,000 120% 80,000 100% 60,000 80% 60% 40,000 40% 20,000 20% 0 Penetration Rate 120,000 0% 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 Year Customers Figure 15: Penetration Mobile service customers and penetration rate - Dominica Source: Eastern Caribbean Telecommunications Authority National Telecommunications Regulatory Commission –Dominica 2011 Annual Report Page 32 In 2011, while there were only two (2) licensed service providers, LIME and Digicel, Dominica’s mobile market began experiencing the effects of saturation. This was evident as the mobile market customer base decreased by 3.72%, and the penetration rate also decreased by 2.6% (Figure 15). Within ECTEL Member States, Dominica’s mobile penetration rate, 140%, was the second highest, as St. Kitts had the highest penetration rate of 146% (Figure 16). Penetration Rate Mobile Penetration Rate in ECTEL States 180% 160% 140% 120% 100% 80% 60% 40% 20% 0% 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 Year Figure 16: Dominica Grenada St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Vincent and the Grenadines ECTEL States Average Mobile penetration rates in ECTEL States Source: Eastern Caribbean Telecommunications Authority National Telecommunications Regulatory Commission –Dominica 2011 Annual Report Page 33 Appendices 1 - 8 Appendix 1: Telecommunications Licenses January – December 2011 Number of Applications Recommended by ECTEL/NTRC Approved Issued Individual and Submarine Cable 0 0 0 0 Fixed Telecommunications 0 0 0 0 Public Mobile/Cellular Telecommunications 0 0 0 0 Internet Networks Service 1 0 0 0 Submarine Cable Landing 0 0 0 0 Sub-total 1 0 0 0 Private Networks/Services 1 1 1 1 Value Added Services 0 0 0 0 Internet Services Provision 2 3 3 3 International Simple Voice Resale 0 0 0 0 Broadcasting Radio/TV 2 2 2 2 Sub-total 5 6 6 6 0 0 0 0 Category Licenses Class (Type A) Class (Type B) Land Mobile National Telecommunications Regulatory Commission –Dominica 2011 Annual Report Page 34 January – December 2011 Number of Applications Recommended by ECTEL/NTRC Approved Issued Maritime Mobile 0 0 0 0 Aeronautical Mobile 0 0 0 0 25 25 25 25 Citizen Band Radio 0 0 0 0 Family Radio 1 1 1 1 26 26 26 26 0 0 0 0 29 29 29 29 Premises Installation 0 0 0 0 Telecommunications Equipment Dealer 6 0 0 0 35 29 29 29 Radio /TV Broadcasts 2 2 2 2 Private Networks, Mobile, Fixed & Internet Transmissions 4 5 4 4 Sub-total 6 7 6 6 0 0 0 0 73 68 67 67 Category Licenses Amateur Radio Sub-total Class (Type C) Customer Premises Wireman certification Type Approval certification Customer Sub-total Frequency Authorization Special Radio Broadcast (Temporary) Total National Telecommunications Regulatory Commission –Dominica 2011 Annual Report Page 35 Appendix 2: Applications for Individual License Individual Licenses – Applications Application Status Category of License Organization Fixed Public Public Mobile Internet Network/Services Wikibuli Communications Inc National √ Telecommunications Regulatory Submarine Cable Landing Date Received 26.11.2011 Date 12.12.2011 Commission –Dominica 2011 Annual Report Remarks Not recommended by ECTEL – did not meet financial evaluation criterion Page 36 Appendix 3A: Applications for Type A Class Licenses Type A Class Licenses Category of License Organization Private Networks/Services Value-Added Services NS Optimum (Caribbean) Ltd GlobeCast UK Ltd Application Status Internet Services Provision √ √ International Simple Voice Resale Date Received 08.04.2011 20.04.2011 Grace Internet Café √ 28.04.2011 NS Optimum (Caribbean) Ltd √ 06.12.2011 Computer and Trading Solutions (CATS) 3 √ 30.08.2010 Date 08.07.2011 Recommended 20.07.2011 21.06.2011 Issued Recommended 24.06.2011 11.07.2011 Issued Recommended 20.07.2011 Issued Request for termination of license issued on 07.20.2011 20.01.2011 Recommendations Pending Recommended 20.07.2011 Issued 3 Application received prior to 2011 National Telecommunications Regulatory Commission –Dominica 2011 Annual Report Remarks Page 37 Appendix 3B: Applications for Broadcast Systems Class Licenses Broadcast Systems - Radio Application Status Organization Date Received Portsmouth Community Watch Foundation Inc. 02.02.2011 Cable & Wireless Dominica Ltd (LIME) 01.06.2011 Radio En Ba Mango 4 24.02.2011 4 Date Remarks 25.03.2011 Recommend 08.06.2011 Issued 08.07.2011 Recommended 20.09.2011 Issued Recommendation & Issuance pending Application received prior to 2011 National Telecommunications Regulatory Commission –Dominica 2011 Annual Report Page 38 Appendix 4: Applications for Type B Class Licenses Type B Class Licenses January - December 2011 Number of Applications Recommended by NTRC Approved Issued Land Mobile Radio - - - - Maritime Mobile Radio - - - - Aeronautical Mobile Radio - - - - 25 25 25 25 Family Radio 1 1 1 1 Citizen Band Radio - - - - 26 26 26 26 Category of License Amateur Radio Total National Telecommunications Regulatory Commission –Dominica 2011 Annual Report Page 39 Appendix 5A: Applications for Type C Class Licenses – Type Approval Type C Class Licenses – Type Approval Certificate No. Manufacturer / Granted to Product Equipment Type Model Identifier Date Granted DMA – 0311 – 0066e Hyundai Mobis Co., Ltd. Digital Car Audio System Bluetooth BDR/EDR PA710VGGB_MY 18.03.2011 DMA – 0311 – 0067e Hyundai Mobis Co., Ltd. Digital Car Audio System Bluetooth BDR/EDR PA760VGGB_MY 18.03.2011 DMA – 0311 – 0068a Continental Automotive Systems US Inc. Continental Electronic Control Unit (ECU) Transmitter Passive Entry Passive Start System M3N5WY8434 25.03.2011 DMA – 0311 – 0069a Continental Automotive Systems US Inc. Passive Key Transmitter Passive Entry Passive Start System M3N5WY8609 25.03.2011 DMA – 0311 – 0070a Continental Automotive Systems US Inc. Easy Key Active Antenna Passive Entry Passive Start System M3N-65981421 25.03.2011 DMA – 0311 – 0071a Continental Automotive Systems US Inc. Innovative RF Receiver (IRX) Module 5WK49097 31.03.2011 DMA – 0311 – 0072a Continental Automotive Systems US Inc. 5WY7909 31.03.2011 DMA – 0311 – 0073a Continental Automotive Systems US Inc. National Telecommunications Passive Keyless Entry and Start System Electronic Control Unit (ECU) Transmitter Passive Keyless Entry and Start System Passive Key Transmitter Passive Entry Passive Start System Regulatory Commission –Dominica 2011 Annual Report 5YW8406 Page 40 31.03.2011 Certificate No. Manufacturer / Granted to Product Equipment Type Model Identifier Date Granted DMA – 0311 – 0075e Nintendo of America, Inc. Nintendo of America, Inc. Nintendo 3DS CTR-001 31.03.2011 DMA – 0411 – 0076p Panasonic Personal Computer Personal Computer CF-19 05.04.2011 DMA–0411-0078p AVAYA Communication Server Telecommunications CS1000 15.04.2011 DMA – 0611 – 0079p US Robotics Courier 56K V.92 Business Modem Telecommunications USR3453C 10.06.2011 DMA – 0611 – 0080t Apple Inc. Apple iPhone 3GS Telecommunications A1303 10.06.2011 DMA – 0611 – 0081t Apple Inc. Apple iPhone 4 Telecommunications A1332 10.06.2011 DMA – 0911 – 0082a OMRON Automotive Electronics, Inc. OMRON Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS) transceiver Anti-Theft System (PATS) D7520013 26.09.2011 DMA – 0911 – 0083a Lear Automotive Services (Netherlands) B.V. Philippines Branch Lear T6 Body Control Module RF Receiver Remote Keyless Entry Receiver ZAFT6BCM 26.09.2011 DMA – 0611 – 0084a Visteon Corporation Nissan Bluetooth Car Kit Bluetooth Transceiver Bluetooth Transceiver 28.09.2011 DMA – 0611 – 0085a Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, Himeji Works Keyless / Immobilizer System Smart Start Unit (SSU) Keyless / Immobilizer System SSU SKE133-02 25.10.2011 National Telecommunications Regulatory Commission –Dominica 2011 Annual Report Page 41 Manufacturer / Granted to Product Equipment Type Model Identifier Date Granted DMA – 0611 – 0086a Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, Himeji Works Keyless System Receiver Keyless System LFU SKE134-01 25.10.2011 DMA – 0611 – 0087a Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, Himeji Works Keyless System Receiver Keyless System Receiver SKE135-01 25.10.2011 DMA – 0611 – 0088a Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, Himeji Works Keyless System Hand Unit Keyless System Hand Unit SKE13D-01 25.10.2011 DMA – 1111 – 0090t Apple Inc. Apple iPhone Mobile Phone / Digital Trans Mobile Phone / Digital Trans 25.11.2011 DMA – 0911 – 0091i 25th November 2011 RFID Reader System Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) System DMA–0911–0092t Multitech Systems Inc. Multitech Modem V.92 Portable Data/Fax USB Modem DMA – 1111 – 093e Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Samsung 3D Active Glasses Samsung 3D Active Glasses DMA – 1211 – 0094a Alpine Electronics, Inc. ALPINE Bluetooth Module Bluetooth Module Certificate No. National Telecommunications Regulatory Commission –Dominica 2011 Annual Report RWF1 V.92 Portable Data/Fax USB Modem SSG-3050 IAM2.1 BT PWB EU3 Page 42 25.11.2011 30.11.2011 30.11.2011 22.12.2011 Appendix 5B: Applications for Type C Class Telecommunications Equipment Dealer Licenses – Type C Class Licenses – Telecommunication Equipment Dealer Organization Date Received Application Status Date Remarks James Electronics 06.04.2011 Issuance pending CIS Enterprises Ltd. 07.04.2011 Issuance pending Premier Computing Services Ltd. 12.04.2011 Issuance pending Shine Union Trading Co. Ltd. 12.04.2011 Issuance pending J. Astaphan & Co. Ltd. 03.05.2011 Issuance pending Courts Dominica Ltd. 17.05.2011 Issuance pending National Telecommunications Regulatory Commission –Dominica 2011 Annual Report Page 43 Appendix 6: Applications for Frequency Authorization Frequency Authorizations – Application Status ` Date Received Organization Portsmouth Community Watch Foundation Inc 02.02.2011 GlobeCast UK Ltd 20.06.2011 Cornell University 02.08.2011 Digicel (Dominica) Ltd 15.08.2011 Digicel (Dominica) Ltd 15.08.2011 Radio En Ba Mango 27.07.2011 Cable & Wireless Dominica Ltd (LIME) 5 29.05.2008 Digicel (Dominica) Ltd Digicel (Dominica) Ltd 10.09.2009 Revised 03.10.2008 10.09.2008 Revised 03.10.2008 5 5 West Indies Communications Enterprise 5 Ltd (Q95 FM) 5 Cable & Wireless Dominica Ltd (LIME) 5 27.07.2010 29.04.2010 Date 06.06.2011 Remarks Recommended 24.06.2011 20.06.2011 Issued Recommended 24.06.2011 Issued Recommendation and Issuance Pending 05.12.2011 Recommended Recommendation Pending 10.02.2009 Recommendation and Issuance Pending Recommendations pending (re 700MHz band – ongoing consultation) Recommended 01.07.2011 16.03.2009 Issued Recommended 01.07.2011 17.01.2011 Issued Recommended 15.04.2011 08.07.2011 Issued Recommended 20.09.2011 Issued Application received prior to 2011 National Telecommunications Regulatory Commission –Dominica 2011 Annual Report Page 44 Appendix 7: Fees Collected Fees Collected ($ XCD) January – December 2011 Category Application Individual Class Frequency Authorization National Total Annual 1,000.00 0 2,564,289.77 2,565,289.77 18,627.99 7,675.23 11,840.00 38,143.22 3,200.00 0 2,050,050.00 2,053,250.00 0 0 61,950.00 61950 22,827.99 7,675.23 4,688,129.77 4,718,632.99 Numbering Grand Total Initial Telecommunications Regulatory Commission –Dominica 2011 Annual Report Page 45 Appendix 8: Auditor’s Report and Financial Statements WINSTON & CO -CHARTERED CERTIFIED ACCOUNTANTSP.O.BOX 411 32 BATH ROAD ROSEAU COMMONWEALTH OF DOMINICA TEL/FAX (767) 448-8800 INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT To The Commissioners National Telecommunications Regulatory Commission 42-2 Kennedy Avenue Roseau Report on the financial statements We have audited the accompanying financial statements of National Telecommunications Regulatory Commission, which comprise of the Balance Sheet as at September 30, 2011, the Statement of Income and Expenditure, Statement of Changes in Accumulated Fund and Statement of Cash Flows for the year then ended, and a summary of significant accounting policies and other explanatory notes set out on pages 7 to 13. Management’s responsibility for the financial statements Management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of these financial statements in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards. This responsibility includes: designing, implementing and maintaining internal control relevant to the preparation and fair presentation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error; selecting and applying appropriate accounting policies; and making accounting estimates that are reasonable in the circumstances. Auditor’s responsibility Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audit. We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing. Those standards require that we comply with ethical requirements and plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance whether the financial statements are free from material misstatement. An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. The procedures selected depend on the auditor’s judgments, including the assessment of the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to fraud or error. In making those risk assessments, the auditor considers internal control relevant to the Commission’s preparation and fair presentation of the financial statements in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Commission’s internal control. An audit also includes evaluating the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. In our opinion, the financial statements give a true and fair view of the financial position of National Telecommunications Regulatory Commission, as at September 30, 2011 and its financial performance and its cash flows for the year then ended in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and the Telecommunications Act No. 8 of 2000 of the Laws of the Commonwealth of Dominica. Austin Winston, (FCCA) NATIONAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS REGULATORY COMMISSION Balance Sheet As At September 30, 2011 (expressed in Eastern Caribbean Dollars ) Notes 2011 $ 2010 $ 585,749 1,493,458 ASSETS Current Assets Cash and bank balances - 4 Accounts Receivable Prepayments 6,601 6,000 6,000 591,749 1,506,059 160,761 168,283 TOTAL ASSETS LIABILITIES Current Liabilities 752,510 1,674,342 Accounts payable and accrued liabilities Due to related party 151,829 - 113,459 - 36,117 54,470 Total Current Assets 3(c) & 7 Plant and equipment 6 Due to the Government of the Commonwealth of Dominica Due to the Eastern Caribbean Telecommunications Authority (ECTEL) 9 11 Due to Universal Fund - 10 14,225 965,866 - Total Current Liabilities ACCUMULATED FUND 202,171 1,133,795 Accumulated surplus 367,788 356,664 182,550 179,850 15 Numbering Fees Reserve Fund 1 8 Capital Grants 4,033 Total accumulated fund 550,339 540,547 TOTAL LIABILITIES AND ACCUMULATED FUND 752,510 1,674,342 The accompanying notes form an integral part of these financial statements. Approved on Behalf of the Board this day March, 2012. Executive Director NATIONAL TELECOMMUNICATION REGULATORY COMMISSION Statement of Income and Expenditure Year Ended September 30, 2011 (expressed in Eastern Caribbean Dollars ) Notes 2011 $ 2010 $ INCOME ECTEL subvention Interest Income Other Income Amortisation of Capital Grants OPERATING INCOME General and administrative expenses Surplus/(Deficit) for the year 6 8 The accompanying notes form an integral part of these financial statements. 752,960 752,960 8,193 50 4,032 765,235 (754,111) 11,124 726,050 726,050 5,432 216 23,356 755,054 (698,248) 56,806 NATIONAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS REGULATORY COMMISSION Statement of Changes in Accumulated fund Year Ended September 30, 2011 (expressed in Eastern Caribbean Dollars ) Notes Balance as of September 30, 2003 Surplus/(Deficit) for the year Universal service fund received Balance as of September 30, 2004 Surplus/(Deficit) for the year Universal service fund received Balance as of September 30, 2005 Surplus/(Deficit) for the year Universal service fund received Balance as of September 30, 2006 Surplus/(Deficit) for the year Universal service fund received Prior Year Adjustment - Prepaid rent 2005/2006 Balance as of September 30, 2007 Surplus/(Deficit) for the year Universal service fund received Balance as of September 30, 2008 Surplus/(Deficit) for the year Transfer of surplus Balance as of September 30, 2009 Surplus/(Deficit) for the year Transfer of surplus Prior Year Adjustment Balance as of September 30, 2010 Surplus/(Deficit) for the year Transfer of surplus Prior Year Adjustment Accum Surplus $ 14 Balance as of September 30, 2011 The accompanying notes form an integral part of these financial statements. 110,179 60,215 170,394 175,299 345,693 100,107 445,800 (44,027) (3,000) 398,773 52,507 451,280 38,299 (189,721) 299,858 56,806 356,664 11,124 367,788 Total $ 110,179 60,215 170,394 175,299 345,693 100,107 445,800 (44,027) (3,000) 398,773 52,507 451,280 38,299 (189,721) 299,858 56,806 356,664 11,124 367,788 NATIONAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS REGULATORY COMMISSION Statement of Cash Flows Year Ended September 30, 2011 (expressed in Eastern Caribbean Dollars ) Notes Cash Flows from Operating Activities Surplus for the year Adjustment for: Depreciation expense Capital Grants 2011 $ 2010 $ 11,124 56,806 7 36,356 46,237 3 (b) & 8 (4,032) 43,448 (23,356) 79,687 Operating Profit before working capital changes 6,601 (Increase) Decrease in accounts receivable (Increase) Decrease in prepayments Increase (Decrease) in accounts payable and accrued liabilities Cash (used in) generated from Operations Net Cash (used in) generated from Operating Activities Cash flows from Investing Activity 38,370 88,419 88,419 (6,473) 3,910 86,494 163,618 163,618 Purchase of plant and equipment Disposal of equipment Net Cash used in Investing Activity Cash flows from financing Activities Increase (Decrease) in due to related party Adjustment to surplus 7 (30,713) 1,879 59,585 (78,605) 1,037 86,050 6 - - Increase (Decrease) in due to ECTEL Increase (Decrease) in due to Universal Service Fund Numbering Fees Reserve Fund Increase (Decrease) in Capital Grants 10 11 15 8 (965,866) 14,225 2,700 - Increase (Decrease) in due to the Government of Dominica (18,353) Net Cash generated from Financing Activities (967,294) Net change in cash equivalents Cash and Equivalents- beginning of year (907,709) 1,493,458 Cash and Cash Equivalents- end of year The accompanying notes form an integral part of these financial statements. 3(h) 585,749 950,866 162,690 52,720 1,166,276 1,252,326 241,132 1,493,458 NATIONALTELECOMMUNICATIONS REGULATORY Statement of General and Administrative Expenses Year Ended September 30, 2011 (expressed in Eastern Caribbean Dollars ) Notes 2011 $ 1,272 2010 $ 4,038 4,254 4,150 603 1,106 Consultancies Commissioners' allowances 42,046 9,875 72,000 67,000 Depreciation expense 36,356 46,237 Electricity expense 25,086 21,822 Miscellaneous expense 15,117 16,056 2,190 1,430 18,874 29,513 755 237 - 1,618 Insurance office contents 766 40,800 1,396 455 40,800 1,057 Repairs and maintenance 9,210 15,421 420,043 380,902 Meetings & Conference Local &Overseas 17,025 9,364 Stationery and office supplies 10,026 11,557 Telephone and fax Training 10,198 22,771 635 9,862 16,150 4,315 Loss on foreign exchange 110 - Vehicle Maintenance 728 2,960 1,850 2,323 754,111 698,248 Advertising and Promotion Audit and accounting fees Bank charges Subscriptions & donations VAT Postage and delivery Publications Fuel expenses Rent Salaries and wages 13 Travel & Accommodation & Entertainment Water and sewage The accompanying notes form an integral part of these financial statements. NATIONAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS REGULATORY COMMISSION Notes to the Financial Statements Year Ended September 30, 2011 (expressed in Eastern Caribbean Dollars) 1. Legal Status The National Telecommunications Regulatory Commission was established by the Commonwealth of Dominica Telecommunications Act No. 8 of 2000, which was assented to on September 5, 2000. The Commissioners were appointed with effect from April 1, 2001. 2. Principal Activities Its principal activities are to collect all fees and tariffs levied under the Act and to ensure compliance with the Government’s international obligations on telecommunications. 3. Significant Accounting policies (a) Basis of Accounting These financial statements are stated in Eastern Caribbean dollars and have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) adopted by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB). The preparation of financial statements in conformity with IFRS requires management to make estimates and assumptions that could affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amount of revenues and expenditure during the year. Actual result could differ significantly from those reported. The significant accounting policies adopted in the preparation of these statements by the Commission are as follows: (b) Basis of preparation The measurement basis used is the historical cost, except for Note (8) where the value of Capital Grants has been estimated. (c) Plant and Equipment Plant and equipment are recorded at cost less accumulated depreciation and impairment losses. Depreciation is charged to the income statement on the straight-line method at rates, which are expected to write off the costs of the fixed assets over their estimated useful lives. The following annual rates are used: Furniture and Equipment Computer Software Computers Building - 15% 33.33% 20% 2.5% NATIONAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS REGULATORY COMMISSION Notes to the Financial Statements Year Ended September 30, 2011 (expressed in Eastern Caribbean Dollars) 3. Significant Accounting Policies (Cont’d) (d) Foreign Currencies Foreign currencies are translated to Eastern Caribbean dollars at the foreign exchange rate ruling at the date of the transaction. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies at the balance sheet date are translated to Eastern Caribbean dollars at the exchange rate ruling at the date. Foreign exchange differences arising on translation are recognized in the income statement. Non- monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies, which are stated at historical costs are translated to Eastern Caribbean dollars at the foreign exchange rate ruling at the date of transaction. (e) Income tax No provision has been made in the regulations, Telecommunications Act and/or Income Tax Act for the imposition of income tax, if any. (f) Impairment The carrying amounts of the Commission’s assets are reviewed at each date to determine whether there is indication of impairment. If any such indication exists, the assets recoverable amount is estimated. For intangible assets that are not yet available for use, the recoverable amount is estimated at each balance sheet date. An impairment loss is recognized whenever the carrying amount of an asset or its cash-generating unit exceeds its recoverable amount. An impairment loss in respect of investment property is recognized in the same way as a revaluation decrease. All other impairment losses are recognised in the income statement. (g) Revenue Recognition Revenue earned by the Commission is recognised on a receipt basis, except interest income, which is recognised on an effective yield basis. (h) Cash and Bank balances. For purposes of the cash flow, cash and bank balances represent balances at Banks and Petty Cash balances at year-end. NATIONAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS REGULATORY COMMISSION Notes to the Financial Statements Year Ended September 30, 2011 (expressed in Eastern Caribbean Dollars) 4. Accounts Receivable 2011 2010 $ $ -J & R Sound U.S.A. - - -SAT Telecommunications Ltd - 6,601 - 6,601 License fees Initial and Annual fees Accounts receivable, with respect to annual fees, is difficult to determine for a particular period, unless the telecommunications providers submit their “gross annual revenue reports” for that period. This is because annual fees are calculated as a %age of gross annual revenue. 5. Annual Fees These are to be based on the licensees’ gross revenue of the previous/current years of operations (See Note 4). 6. Due to/from related party The amounts due to related party represent annual license fees payable to Government by telecommunications providers. The amounts due from related party represent budgeted income (obtained from frequency fees paid by licensees to ECTEL) receivable from the Eastern Caribbean Telecommunications Authority (ECTEL). The amounts are unsecured, non- interest bearing and have no stated repayment terms. NATIONAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS REGULATORY COMMISSION Notes to the Financial Statements Year Ended September 30, 2011 (expressed in Eastern Caribbean Dollars) 7. Property, Plant and Equipment BUILDING FURNITURE & COMPUTER COMPUTERS TOTAL (MMS Garage) EQUIPMENT SOFTWARE $ $ $ $ $ COST Balance- beginning of year 2010 Accumulated depreciation 46,901 (2,932) 282,297 (218,358) 15,440 (3,999) 161,728 506,366 (112,794) (338,083) Balance- end of year 2010 43,969 63,939 11,441 48,934 168,283 Year Ended September 30, 2011 Balance- beginning of year Additions during the year Adjustments for disposal on cost Adjustments for disposal on accumulated depreciation Charge for the year 43,969 (1,173) 63,939 20,587 (3,029) 1,150 (16,051) 11,441 4,801 (5,486) 48,934 5,326 (13,646) 168,283 30,713 (3,029) 1,150 (36,356) Closing net book values 42,796 66,596 10,755 40,614 160,761 At Year End September 30, 2011 Cost Accumulated deprecation 46,901 (4,105) 299,855 (233,259) 20,241 (9,485) End of Year 42,796 66,596 10,755 167,054 534,050 (126,440) (373,289) 40,614 160,761 8. Capital Grants These are amounts given by the Government of Dominica and the Eastern Caribbean Telecommunications Authority (ECTEL). This is the regional advisory organization, which was established by the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) governments to provide certain services to the National Telecommunications Regulatory Commission as outlined in the Eastern Caribbean Telecommunications Authority Treaty and the Telecommunications Act of 2000. The amounts are amortized at equivalent depreciation rates over the estimated life of the assets. 2011 $ Balance at begin Additions during year Amortized during year Balance end of year 4,033 (4,032) 1 2010 $ 27,389 (23,356) 4,033 2009 $ 57,494 (30,105) 27,389 2008 $ 95,237 (37,743) 57,494 NATIONAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS REGULATORY COMMISSION Notes to the Financial Statements Year Ended September 30, 2011 (expressed in Eastern Caribbean Dollars) 9. Due to the Government of the Commonwealth of Dominica The amount due to the government of the Commonwealth of Dominica represents license fees collected on behalf of the Government of the Commonwealth of Dominica. This amount is non-interest bearing and has no stated repayment terms (See note 4). 2011 2010 $ Receipts during year Payments during year Balance due 10. $ 3,051,120 2,859,004 (3,015,003) (2,804,534) 36,117 54,470 Due to Eastern Caribbean Telecommunications Authority (ECTEL) These amounts are frequency (spectrum) fees, due to the Eastern Caribbean Telecommunications Authority (ECTEL), collected on behalf of ECTEL. 11. Due to Universal Service Fund Amounts withdrawn from the Universal Service Fund account in error. 12. Lease Commitments The Commission has the following operational lease commitments that provides for a security deposit of two months rental to be held in an interest bearing account, which if not utilized shall be reimbursed to the tenant at the determination of his tenancy. The amount also includes a one-month advance payment of st $3,400 in the three-year lease term from April 1 2009. This lease expires on the March 31, 2012. VAT became effective in 2006. Expiring within seven months 20,400 Expiring in more than1 to 2 years 23,800 81,600 20,400 105,400 NATIONAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS REGULATORY COMMISSION Notes to the Financial Statements Year Ended September 30, 2011 (expressed in Eastern Caribbean Dollars) 13. Personnel Expenses Administrative salaries wages and DSS contributions 14. 420,043 380,902 Universal Service Fund Under section 44 (1) of the Telecommunications Act 8 of 2000 there is provision for establishment of the Universal Service Fund, which is to be managed by the Commission in accordance with regulations by the Minister for telecommunications on the recommendation of ECTEL. The fund shall be used by the Commission on the recommendation of ECTEL to compensate any telecommunications provider who is required to provide universal service by virtue of section 44 (4) or 45 (1) of the Act or otherwise promote universal service. In accordance with the Telecommunications (Universal Service Fund) Regulations, 2009, S.R.O 34 of 2009: “Any monies accruing to the Fund shall be kept in one or more accounts, separate and independent from the other operating accounts of the Commission.” The accounts of the Fund shall be audited by an independent auditor appointed by the Commission. At 30th September, 2011, the balances in the Fund at the National Bank of Dominica were: Savings account $1,758,225.29 and Current account $2,890.36. 15. Numbering Fees Reserve Fund Statutory Rules and Orders (S.R.O) No. 32 of 2008 – Telecommunications (Numbering) Regulations – “The Commission shall maintain control of all telecommunications numbers to ensure fair and efficient use of them by maintaining the National Telecommunications Numbering System Register of all providers in respect of the numbers assigned to them”. Numbering fees are payable in accordance with the provisions set out in the schedule. The numbering fees payments are payable to the Commission. NATIONAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS REGULATORY COMMISSION Notes to the Financial Statements Year Ended September 30, 2011 (expressed in Eastern Caribbean Dollars) 16. Financial Instruments (a) Fair Value Due to the short-term nature of certain financial instruments, the Commission is of the opinion that their carrying value approximate fair value. These financial instruments include cash and bank, accounts payable and accrued liabilities, and amounts due to related party and the government of the Commonwealth of Dominica. The estimates of fair values presented herein are subjective in nature and do not necessarily indicate the amount the Commission could realise in current market exchange. Assets such as prepayment expense are excluded from fair value. Thus, the total fair value amount cannot be aggregate to determine the underlying economic value of the Commission. (b) Credit Risk Credit risk represents the accounting loss that would be recognised at the reporting date if counterparties failed completely to perform as contracted. To reduce exposure to credit risk, the Commission performs ongoing credit evaluations of the financial condition of its customers, in some case requiring collateral. The Commission invests its available cash with various financial institutions. Although, the Commission is exposed to creditrelated losses in the event of non-performance by counterparties to financial instruments, it does not expect any counterparties to fail to meet their obligations given their credit ratings. Secretariat Information National Telecommunications Regulatory Commission P.O. Box 649 26 King George V Street Roseau Commonwealth of Dominica Telephone: + 1767 440 0627 Facsimile: + 1767 440 0835 Email: secretariat@ntrcdom.org Website: www.ntrcdom.org Eastern Caribbean Telecommunications Authority P.O. Box 1886 Vide Bouteille Castries St. Lucia Telephone: + 1758 458 1701 Facsimile: + 1758 458 1698 Email: ectel@ectel.int Website: www.ectel.int