Cayman Trailblazingwith ICT Law
With its new Information and CommunicationsTechnology (ICT) Law, which took effect, 17 May 2002, the CaymanIslands is taking on a trailblazing role, supplanting traditionalleaders such as the United States and the United Kingdom.
This legislation replaces the old Radio,Telephone and Broadcasting Laws and allows all information andcommunication technologies to be managed under the single lawand by the same independent body.
Commenting on the law which will lead toliberalisation of the ICT sector, Minister responsible for InformationTechnology, Hon. Linford Pierson says, "While we cannot guaranteethat liberalisation will bring lower prices, we have noted thatin every other country where liberalisation has taken place, thepublic has seen a dramatic drop in communication technology servicecosts."
Responding to concerns about existing radio,television and broadcasting licenses, Managing Director ICTA (designate)Dave Archbold comments, "Existing licences will remain validuntil 31 December 2002 or until a later date set by government.After a licence expires, new ones must be obtained under the newlaw. The Information and Communications Technology Authority (ICTA)is responsible for issuing new licenses, renewing existing ones,and for administering all regulations under the new law."
Overall responsibility for the operationof the ICTA rests with the five-member Board of Directors. Inan effort to have open and transparent procedures, both applicationsand terms of licences will be available via the Authority's Internetsite.
Review the attached fact sheet for furtherdetails on the ICT Law.