This organization was established based on the Telecommunications Special Law, as amended and published in Official Gazette No. 770 of August 4, 1995.

The SNT is a responsibility of the National Secretary for Telecommunications, who shall be appointed by the President of the Republic; the National Secretary will devote his/her duties exclusively to this purpose and shall serve during a 4-year term.

The National Secretary for Telecommunications is responsible for:

• Complying and enforcing all resolutions passed by CONATEL
  Managing all activities related to the radio frequency spectrum.
• Preparing the National Telecommunications Development Plan and submitting it for CONATEL´s consideration and approval.
• Prepare the Frequency and Use of the Radio Frequency Spectrum Plan and submit same to CONATEL's consideration and approval.
• Prepare homologation rules, calibration and means of control for telecommunication equipment and services that shall be made known to and approved by CONATEL.
• Keep abreast of tariff listings being applied to public telecommunications services, as proposed by carriers and submit the pertinent report to CONATEL.
• Enter into concession contracts for the provision of telecommunications services, as authorized by CONATEL and all authorization and/or concession contracts for use of the radio frequency spectrum, as authorized by CONATEL.
• Extend required authorization for network interconnection.