From Dial-Up to Digital: T&T’s Telecoms Evolution

May 19th, 2026

Significant changes have occurred in Trinidad and Tobago’s telecommunications landscape over the last two decades. According to the CEO of the Telecommunications Authority of Trinidad and Tobago (TATT), Kurleigh Prescod, “Twenty years ago, mobile services comprised telephony and text messaging, the majority of internet access connections were dial-up, and broadband internet was emerging with download speeds under 1Mbps. In 2025, mobile services are widely used for streaming and email, broadband is now the pervasive form of internet access, and broadband speeds typically start at 100Mbps and go faster.”

Boosting Competition and Connectivity

In 2004, consumers had one choice for fixed-line and mobile telephony, two for subscription cable television, and three for dial-up internet. Today, the public has access to two mobile service providers, six fixed voice service providers, 13 fixed broadband internet service providers (including satellite services), and 11 subscription television providers. 

Commenting on the role TATT has played in these developments, Prescod, who took up the position in April 2025, said: “TATT has been responsible for facilitating additional service providers and preparing the regulatory framework to support fair and sustainable competition, inclusive of mobile and fixed number portability.” Mobile number portability was officially launched in October 2016, and fixed-line number portability in May 2025.

By fostering fair competition, we have seen the expansion of telecommunications infrastructure into rural communities as service providers seek to gain market share, Prescod noted. In addition, TATT has worked to expand access through Universal Service Projects, such as TTWiFi, its Persons with Disabilities project, and the broadband infrastructure project in St. John’s Parish, Tobago.

Bridging the Digital Divide

Under TTWiFi, the public can access the internet through 136 public TTWiFi locations in libraries, transport hubs, and public health facilities, with 71 schools now benefiting from internet connectivity. Additionally, over 1,700 people with disabilities have received subsidies to purchase smartphones, enabling them to actively participate in the digital ecosystem and economy.

TATT has also been working to increase digital literacy and develop ‘digital citizens’ who can function in an ICT environment. Since 2012, it has facilitated training in ICT skills for more than 3,000 women and girls; held annual “Empowering Men Online ICT Workshops;” and organised at-risk youth programmes that target young people, such as those in orphanages, providing them with the opportunity to become certified in ICT skills, productivity tools and equipment repair. In June 2025, TATT also launched a digital literacy programme for senior citizens aged 50 and over, called ICTs4Seniors.

Building a Smarter, More Connected Future

Looking to the future, Prescod said: “Our Framework for Fifth Generation (5G) Public Mobile Telecommunications Networks was published on September 21, 2023, and spectrum was identified in 2024 for 5G implementation moving forward.” Trinidad and Tobago has already authorised two satellite internet operators – Starlink and Neptune Communications – and TSTT has partnered with Neptune Communications to deliver satellite broadband solutions in Trinidad and Tobago.

To address key consumer concerns about affordability and quality of service, TATT has established policies that govern the quality and delivery of service to consumers. Prescod noted: “TATT has a monitoring department with drive-through monitoring capabilities and fixed monitoring stations at Mount Hope and Sevilla in Trinidad, and Sou Sou Lands in Tobago.”

Through its consumer complaints contact points, 800-TATT and [email protected], TATT provides a platform for consumers to lodge complaints regarding service quality and billing disputes. It also consolidates the entry-level prices for telecommunications services and publishes this information quarterly.

As the sector evolves, Prescod shared TATT’s long-term goals: “Our vision for the future of telecommunications in T&T is a market with innovative and sustainable competition offering world-class fixed and mobile broadband and broadcasting services, which are universally available, and a digitally skilled population that can safely leverage the advanced nationwide infrastructure for economic growth.”

By Kay Baldeosingh-Arjune