Monday at a press conference, Jean Marie Guillaume, Director General of the National Council of Telecommunications (CONATEL), provided an update on a number of measures to regularize the telecommunications sector in Haiti including the number portability, TV transition from analog to digital, the installation of antenna towers and increased struggle against the stations responsible for the interference.

About portability Mr. Guillaume indicated "there is various steps involved by telephone operators, following a well-defined roadmap, the case is in progress; there are technical aspects to manage for the implementation of this project. Stating that portability for customers of mobile operators, will allow them to keep their existing phone number even if they decide to switch companies. Operators have until 15 November 2015 to make effective the portability precise Jean Marie Guillaume who believes that through this approach no "mobile operator will hold you as a hostage by keeping your personal number."

Concerning digital transition in Haiti, despite a delay in the process, discussions are ongoing at all levels, Jean Marie Guillaume, General Director of CONATEL stressed that "the transition from analog to digital is a file that requires engagement of the State, with an inter-ministerial committee," and explained that "talks between the Ministry of Communication and the Public Works Transport and Communication should allow TNH to go digital by summer. Once the cap crossed, the private media can easily followed suit."

On the antennas folder Jean-Marie Guillaume encouraged people to notify CONATEL of any antenna installation in their area saying that "to establish an antenna tower on the territory it is necessary to obtain authorization from CONATEL and in some case from the health authorities." He indicated "having acquired equipment to help measure the level of radiation emitted by the antenna towers to ensure compliance with standards for the safety and health of the population," adding that he was working on this issue with the operators "The use of equipment that are not well modulated, can create serious problems, including to the aviation sector."

He recalled that the number of available frequencies was limited. We do our best for the rational allocation of licenses and encourages all radio station owners to submit their case to the institution in order to regularize "We have already solved problems of interference, without great difficulty in West department with media executives. We are working with the FAA to resolve interference problems in the territory."

Jean Marie Guillaume said that after investigating on the interference, https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-13466-haiti-flash-clandestine-entities-threaten-aviation-safety.html CONATEL had intervened particularly in the North West department, where almost 5 pirate radio stations were forced to suspend broadcasts stating "We reject all allegations that the closure of pirate stations are political," adding that legal radio stations may also cause interference, but that these kinds of problems was quickly managed through the cooperation of the owners of these stations.

HL/ HaitiLibre