MOPT moves ahead in establishing Telecommunications Agency

Press Statement, Ministry of Public Telecommunications – Saturday, May 11, 2019

The Ministry of Public Telecommunications in fulfilling its obligations under the  Telecommunications Act of 2016, is in the process of establishing the Telecommunications Agency.

The Act provides for the dissolution of the National Frequency Management Unit (NMFU) as currently exists and its absorption by the Telecommunications Agency.

Section 92 (8) of the act provides for the termination of the staff and in an attempt to make the process as seamless as possible, the Telecommunications Agency embarked on a process whereby staff of the Unit were advised of the Organizational Structure of the Agency and the Job Descriptions attaching to various positions as of March 27 2019.  

Staff were encouraged to submit Expressions of Interest for employment with the Telecommunications Agency prior to the Appointed Day (May 10 2019), with a view to the Agency being in a position to complete the formalities to facilitate rehiring decisions without a break in employment of selected staff.  This process was designed to give employees of the NFMU priority with respect to employment with the Agency.

Two of the staff members, including the current NFMU CEO, have so far not taken up the  the offer. The remaining 16 have applied and it has been recommended that 14 of the 16 who applied be offered positions.  Two individuals were deemed notqualified for the positions for which they applied and have and so far appeared disinterested in positions commensurate with their qualifications.

The Ministry is pleased with the prior consultations that took place with staff prior and looks forward to the 14 members of staff commencing work in their new roles at the Telecommunications Agency. 

Every effort has been made to ensure that their remuneration and benefits, including pensions are not adversely affected by this transition.

The Telecommunications Act 2016 was duly passed in the National Assembly and assented to by His Excellency President David Granger.

The Ministry extends best wishes to the currentemployees in their future endeavours and thanks all staff for their service to the NFMU during the period of their employ.