NAME OF FEATURE | THE GLEANER | SUNDAY, AUGUST 31, 2025 32 ADVERTISEMENT RADIO JAMAICA 75TH ANNIVERSARY FEATURE | THE SUNDAY GLEANER | AUGUST 31, 2025 In Jamaica, the geographical challenges posed by the varied mountain ranges and isolated communities have resulted in significant gaps in broadband access, particularly in underserved and unserved areas. As our society rapidly advances into a digital age, the need for equitable access to broadband services becomes increasingly vital. The Spectrum Management Authority (SMA) is actively collaborating with Mobile Network Operators as well as key stakeholders to address this issue and facilitate connectivity, thereby narrowing the digital divide within the nation. The Covid-19 pandemic underscored the necessity of expanding spectrum availability for mobile services. In 2020, Jamaican schools were compelled to transition to online education, revealing that more than 400 institutions and their surrounding communities lacked internet access. Over the past eight years, the SMA has actively worked to facilitate connectivity pathways through two successful auctions in the 700 MHz and 600 MHz bands as well as a modification of the Spectrum Cap to evaluate each application for spectrum on its merits through the Spectrum Screen methodology. These efforts aim to promote the efficient utilization of this limited resource among all stakeholders, ensuring citizens can connect effectively. Dr. Maria Myers-Hamilton, Managing Director of SMA, noted that “2020 was a very pivotal year not only for the world but also for Jamaica.” Connectivity plays a crucial role in Jamaica’s strategic development plan aimed at achieving universal broadband access by 2030 at an affordable rate for every citizen. “Telecommunications serve as a lifeline for any nation,” stated Myers-Hamilton. “We are acutely aware of how vital it is to have access to information whether it’s engaging with online businesses or educational resources and maintaining communication with others locally and globally is essential.” To identify coverage deficiencies across Jamaica, the SMA’s Band Planning team collaborated with the Mona GeoInformatics Institute, which conducted national coverage mapping studies. Invariably, it was highlighted that there were significant gaps in highspeed internet accessibility within mountainous inland regions due primarily to propagation challenges that increase infrastructure costs compared with flatter areas. “We have pockets of population located in regions that will require substantial investment to provide adequate service using appropriate technologies such as 4G and 5G,” commented Kwan Wilson, Director of Spectrum Engineering. Additionally, the SMA partnered with the Fair Trading Commission (FTC) on the repurposing of the 600 MHz band. Acting on the FTC’s guidance, which recommended a spectrum cap preventing any single bidder from controlling more than one-third (33%) of the available frequencies, the regulator introduced provisions allowing holders of other sub-1 GHz licenses to exchange them for a portion of this bandwidth, thereby promoting a more equitable distribution of low-band spectrum across operators. “It falls under our responsibility when managing spectrum allocations to ensure some degree of balance exists concerning what each operator receives,” remarked George Malcolm, Director of Policy and Strategic Planning. This spectral limitation is intended to foster balance within a triopoly market structure, with Rock Mobile’s imminent launch alongside existing players Digicel and Flow. “The FTC delivered thorough market analysis illustrating current competitive dynamics within mobile telecommunications along with projections into short-to-medium-term trends,” explained Telecommunications Systems Manager Lyndel McDonald; “Thus, we felt justified applying those recommendations.” Finally, satellite operators play a crucial role in managing and operating satellite systems that provide capacity to local markets, including Jamaica. Traditionally, their business model has focused on supplying wholesale satellite capacity to licensed local operators, who then offer retail services to customers or resell this capacity. From a regulatory perspective, countries generally adopt one of two approaches to authorize satellite operators. The first is the “Open Skies” policy, which allows operators to provide capacity without special licenses, promoting competition and enabling local service providers to offer varied services. The second approach imposes specific authorization requirements, often termed “landing rights,” which can vary in complexity. To facilitate the deployment of satellite user terminals (UTs) small devices that connect end-users to satellite networks regulators are moving towards more streamlined licensing frameworks. The options include individual licensing for each UT, blanket authorizations allowing multiple terminals under one license, or license exemptions for certain technical standards, promoting rapid deployment and reducing market entry barriers. Nonetheless, we are actively exploring the regulatory framework to determine the best fit for the local environment. For Earth Stations in Motion (ESIMs), which provide satellite connectivity to mobile platforms (like aircraft and ships), regulators have the option to either require additional licenses for foreign units or recognise licenses issued by foreign administrations. This recognition supports seamless international operations. The emergence of direct-to-device (D2D) services enables standard devices to connect directly to satellites for messaging and emergency services. In closing, there must be a balance of broadband platforms and a mixed technology infrastructure so as to address both the coverage gap (access to networks) and the usage gap (ability and willingness to use the internet) in Jamaica. Additionally, all stakeholders must collaborate on the underpinning rationale – fostering the growth and development of a nation with no individual left unconnected. For the future proofing of telecommunications within our nation, we will need to maintain connections between satellites and terrestrial networks. Currently, most countries within the region permit operators to deploy gateways based on technical and commercial needs, rather than imposing mandatory in-country infrastructure requirements. Therefore, it will be imperative to foster these partnerships by implementing flexible regulatory frameworks and embracing best practices in licensing and authorisation that effectively enhance competition, foster investment, and expand service coverage across our nation. Advt.
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