Regulatory Independence and the Development of the Telecommunications Sector in The English-Speaking Caribbean

Regulatory Independence and the Development of the Telecommunications Sector in The English-Speaking Caribbean by Delreo A. Newman MA, Fordham University, 1987 BS, New York Institute of Technology, 1986 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Public Policy and Administration Abstract Small developing states can use proper regulatory frameworks in policy and sector development to implement efficiency and consumer safeguards to the sector. However, sufficient research on the impact of telecommunications regulatory institutions on micro economies has not been conducted. Capture theory was used as the theoretical lens for this thesis. In doing so, a quantitative analysis was done using, cross-sectional pooled time series to determine how an independent telecommunications regulator impacted the telecommunications sector in the English-speaking Caribbean. All the data acquired for analysis were secondary yearly data collected from the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) from 1993 to 2012. Specifically, this study examined how prices, investment, infrastructure, and competition in the telecoms sector are affected by the type of regulatory regime (independent or non independent ) for fixed line and mobile services. Results indicate that the type of regulatory regime has a statistically significant impact on fixed line services and price of the telecommunications sector (p < .0001). However, this regulation was absent in other areas such as cellular services, broadband usage, telecoms investment and competition. The potential for positive social change is tied to recommendations specific to developing countries to ensure their regulators have autonomy in making decisions regarding the volume, quality and costs of telecommunications services. Legislation must minimize any overlap in the roles of policy makers, legislators, administrators and regulators to ensure that the regulatory framework addresses the particulars conditions of the country in which it operates.Small developing states can use proper regulatory frameworks in policy and sector development to implement efficiency and consumer safeguards to the sector. However, sufficient research on the impact of telecommunications regulatory institutions on micro economies has not been conducted. Capture theory was used as the theoretical lens for this thesis. In doing so, a quantitative analysis was done using, cross-sectional pooled time series to determine how an independent telecommunications regulator impacted the telecommunications sector in the English-speaking Caribbean. All the data acquired for analysis were secondary yearly data collected from the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) from 1993 to 2012. Specifically, this study examined how prices, investment, infrastructure, and competition in the telecoms sector are affected by the type of regulatory regime (independent or non independent ) for fixed line and mobile services. Results indicate that the type of regulatory regime has a statistically significant impact on fixed line services and price of the telecommunications sector (p < .0001). However, this regulation was absent in other areas such as cellular services, broadband usage, telecoms investment and competition. The potential for positive social change is tied to recommendations specific to developing countries to ensure their regulators have autonomy in making decisions regarding the volume, quality and costs of telecommunications services. Legislation must minimize any overlap in the roles of policy makers, legislators, administrators and regulators to ensure that the regulatory framework addresses the particulars conditions of the country in which it operates. Regulatory Independence and the Development of the Telecommunications Sector in the English-Speaking Caribbean by Delreo A. Newman MA, Fordham University, 1987 BS, New York Institute of Technology, 1986 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Public Policy and Administration Walden University February 2019 Dedication I dedicate this project to those I love: my wife, Rosemarie; the children, Elijah, Jevon, Helena, and Shakair; and my parents, Rupert and Violet Newman. Acknowledgments First, I am grateful to the Almighty, for his mercy, grace and protection. Secondly, I am grateful to Drs V. Ferreros (my Chairperson) and G. Telleria (my Committee member) who have been more than patient in guiding me through this dissertation process. I also acknowledge and thank Dr T. Settles and Dr M. Devirgillo who contributed as my university research reviewer. I also want to thank Mr P. Cross and Mr S. Cadette formally and of the International Telecommunications Union, who have been more than helpful in my data collection process. To all those who have been kind enough to teach and guide me throughout my academic career, who are too numerous to mention, I am most grateful.