Business
Jamaica: Simpson-Miller administration in process of rolling out nation-wide broadband
The project once completed is hoped to turn Jamaica into the ICT hub of the Caribbean.
(JIS) – Jamaica is in the process of rolling out an island-wide broadband network to provide universal access to digital technology for all Jamaicans.
Prime Minister Portia Simpson-Miller said this will be provided through the Universal Service Fund (USF).
Simpson-Miller said that more can be done to achieve the vision of Jamaica being “a knowledge-based and educated society, which is globally competitive and productive; thereby giving rise to the strategic placement of Jamaica as the key information and communication technologies (ICT) hub within the Caribbean region.”
Addressing the official opening of the Digicel regional headquarters in Kingston late last week, Ms. Simpson Miller pointed out that digital inclusion ensures that vulnerable groups in the society have access to, and possess the necessary skills to use ICT, thereby enabling them to contribute to their economic and social well-being.
She said there is always the risk that carriers and service providers will favor geographical areas that are densely populated and where the cost of delivering service per customer is relatively low.
“In these situations, the government has to directly intervene to promote universal access,” Simpson-Miller said. “We would expect service providers like Digicel, to respond positively and make the investment necessary to connect these low density communities, so as to achieve full digital inclusion,” she added.
The prime minister acknowledged that issues regarding child protection and cyber security are important considerations in creating an enabling environment facilitated by broadband and ICTs, but said the government will not be daunted as it seeks “to collaborate with all stakeholders, local, regional and international, to mitigate against these threats to development.”
In the meantime, the prime minister congratulated Digicel on its bold investment in Jamaica, noting that through its network development and the work of its Foundation, the company has also invested over US$800 million in its almost 12 years in the island-nation.
Situated along the waterfront on Ocean Boulevard, the building was officially opened by Simpson-Miller; Digicel chairman, Denis O’Brien, and Brandon Thompson who attends the STEP Center, which is a school for the therapy, education and parenting of children with disabilities sponsored by the Digicel Foundation.