Puerto Rico Telecommunications Regulatory Board
The Puerto Rico Telecommunications Regulatory Board (TRB), known in Spanish as the Junta Reglamentadora de Telecomunicaciones (JRT), serves as the primary authority overseeing telecommunications within the territory. Established to modernize the industry, the board ensures that communication services are managed effectively under the framework of local and federal law.
Origins and Legislative Foundation
The TRB was created in 1996 following the passage of Puerto Rico's Telecommunications Reform Law. This pivotal legislation was drafted by then Senator Kenneth McClintock and then Representative Angel Cintrón to restructure how telecommunications are governed on the island.
Board Composition and Leadership
The board consists of three members who provide the necessary legal and technical oversight for the sector. While the leadership has evolved over the decades, the board maintains a blend of historical continuity and new legal expertise.
Attorney Phoebe Forsythe Isales served as the original chair of the board. Currently, the TRB is chaired by attorney Miguel Reyes. Notably, Vicente Aguirre, one of the original members appointed at the board's inception, continues to serve as a member.
Regulatory Authority and Federal Coordination
The TRB exercises state-level regulatory powers, focusing on areas that are not preempted by federal law. To ensure a seamless regulatory environment, the board works in close coordination with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the independent agency of the United States government that regulates interstate and international communications.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Established | 1996 |
| Spanish Name | Junta Reglamentadora de Telecomunicaciones (JRT) |
| Founding Legislation | Telecommunications Reform Law |
| Current Chair | Miguel Reyes |
| Board Size | 3 Members |
Key Facts
- The TRB was established in 1996 via the Telecommunications Reform Law.
- The law was drafted by Senator Kenneth McClintock and Representative Angel Cintrón.
- The board is currently chaired by attorney Miguel Reyes.
- Vicente Aguirre is a long-standing member who served since the board's origin.
- The TRB operates state-level powers in coordination with the FCC.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the Puerto Rico Telecommunications Regulatory Board created?
The TRB was created in 1996 as a result of the Telecommunications Reform Law.
Who drafted the legislation that established the TRB?
The Telecommunications Reform Law was drafted by then Senator Kenneth McClintock and then Representative Angel Cintrón.
Who is the current chair of the TRB?
The board is currently chaired by attorney Miguel Reyes.
How does the TRB interact with federal authorities?
The TRB exercises state-level regulatory powers that are not preempted by federal law and maintains a close working relationship with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
Who are some of the notable members of the board?
The board was originally chaired by Phoebe Forsythe Isales, and Vicente Aguirre remains a member from the original group.