Subject: Re: Letter to the President of Haiti.

The Executive Committee of the National Telecommunications Council (CONATEL) of the Republic of Haiti proceeded with a series of surprise visits on September 27, 1999 to its license-holders following complaints from the national telephone company (TELECO) that international calls [and the revenue provided by same] were being fraudulently diverted.

The first visit undertaken was to the office of Alpha Communication Network (ACN) where officials observed numerous irregularities including the installation of unauthorized equipment. At the request of CONATEL and in the presence of officials from TELECO a magistrate proceeded to the premises of ACN. Subsequently, CONATEL temporarily suspended the usage license granted to the firm.

Another visit was made the same day to the firm DIGICOM in Boutilliers [north of Haiti’s capital Port-au-Prince] where unauthorized equipment was also dismantled and placed under seal.

On Thursday, September 30, 1999 CONATEL held a meeting in its offices with two officials from ACN. This occasion was used to inform them of the actions which they needed to take with regard to their equipment to allow the lifting of sanctions against them. In this way, a list of urgent steps to be taken by ACN was communicated to them and they agreed to comply in the shortest possible time.

On Tuesday, October 5, 1999, a second meeting took place at CONATEL with representatives of ACN during which the latter recognized their faults and demanded a reduction in the penalties imposed by CONATEL. ACN’s representatives also desired to consult with their President and Director-General on this question. At that point another meeting was scheduled for the following day.

On October 7, 1999, DIGICOM , after having satisfied the demands by CONATEL - particularly in paying the fine imposed upon them - was authorized to renew services to their clientele.

In conclusion, the Embassy of Haiti wishes to point out the fact that ACN did not return to the discussion table and that the lifting of sanctions against ACN depends upon their fulfilling the conditions to which they agreed at the meeting of September 30th.

Moreover, CONATEL, which subsequently inspected the facilities of numerous radio stations [possessing Internet broadcast capability] and other Internet Service Providers (ISPs) in the country, promises to continue with such inspections as it deems necessary.

I hope this sheds more light on a situation which has nothing to do with the abrogation of free speech in Haiti.

Sincerely,
John Kozyn, Consultant Embassy of Haiti