The Telecommunications Authority of Trinidad and Tobago (TATT) says local cable providers must secure the necessary intellectual property rights to continue broadcasting US free-to-air channels, warning that NBC could be removed from line-ups if the deadline is not met.
In a media release, the Authority said providers who fail to obtain the required rights for NBC by April 30, 2026 will no longer be allowed to carry the station.
The move follows the removal of FOX from local cable line-ups on December 30, 2025, after providers did not secure the necessary broadcast rights.
TATT said the requirement forms part of efforts to ensure compliance with intellectual property laws and protect Trinidad and Tobago’s trade relations and international partnerships.
A phased schedule has been outlined for other US free-to-air channels. Providers must secure rights for ABC by August 31, 2026 and for CBS by December 30, 2026.
The Authority said it has been working since 2015 with cable providers, international stakeholders and US broadcasters to obtain the necessary permissions, but authorisation to broadcast the channels has not yet been secured.
It added that broadcasting these stations without the required approval breaches intellectual property laws.
TATT said it will continue working with the Intellectual Property Office of Trinidad and Tobago, the Ministry of Trade, Investment and Tourism, the Ministry of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs and local providers to ensure the required rights are obtained.
