Regulator Takes Action
Published on: Feb 01, 2016
PHILIPSBURG – Inspectors of Bureau Telecommunications and Post St. Maarten performed extensive spectrum measurements over the past 3 months and found clear indications that certain French entities or persons are illegally providing broadband services to end-users on the Dutch side, which is in direct violation of Telecom laws on both sides of the island.
Test results shown that fixed link services have been put in place on the French territory to provide wireless internet connectivity to residents and businesses on the Dutch Side. Based on the Telecom Act no one is allowed to provide telecom services on the Dutch side without being licensed by the Government, and consumers residing on Dutch St. Maarten are not allowed to make use of services that are provided by unlicensed operators.
This issue was brought forward during a regulatory meeting in Paris with the French Frequency Administrator (ANFR) on December 2nd 2015, whereby parties mutually agreed that action will be taken from both sides to prevent the use of non-authorized services on St. Maarten.
BTP will be performing more extensive spectrum measurements in the coming weeks whereby all illegal equipment will be removed immediately. BTP also wants to remind the general public that offenders can be convicted to a maximum of six months imprisonment or be issued an administrative fine to a maximum of Twenty Five Thousand Guilders based on the Telecommunication act of 1995 No.196 art.15 sub1. and art. 20.
This issue was brought forward during a regulatory meeting in Paris with the French Frequency Administrator (ANFR) on December 2nd 2015, whereby parties mutually agreed that action will be taken from both sides to prevent the use of non-authorized services on St. Maarten.
BTP will be performing more extensive spectrum measurements in the coming weeks whereby all illegal equipment will be removed immediately. BTP also wants to remind the general public that offenders can be convicted to a maximum of six months imprisonment or be issued an administrative fine to a maximum of Twenty Five Thousand Guilders based on the Telecommunication act of 1995 No.196 art.15 sub1. and art. 20.