In a liberalized environment, investors and market participants require a transparent, fair and a non-discriminatory approach to regulation. The establishment of a regulatory framework in Trinidad and Tobago has therefore been a high priority for the Authority, since it provides the rules and guidelines for regulatory decisions that may be required where there is market failure or where true competition does not exist. 

The Regulatory Framework comprises different types of regulatory instruments which expand upon the general legislative framework in the Telecommunications Act. Policies  and Frameworks  provide the principles and approaches to be adopted in dealing with specific regulatory issues based on overall policy objectives established by Government or stated in the Act. However, Regulations  provide the legal basis for regulatory decision-making in respect of those issues. The Authority develops regulatory policies and frameworks in consultation with the industry and makes recommendations to the Minister for the making of the relevant regulations pursuant to Section 78 of the Act. 

There are also a number of Procedures which detail the administrative processes used by the Authority for dispute resolution, complaints handling, consultation, equipment certification and licensing among others. Finally, the Authority’s Spectrum Plans and Numbering Plans allocate spectrum and number resources for different services, outline the manner in which these resources are assigned and specify the terms and conditions for their use.