Jamaica’s Spectrum Management Authority (SMA) underscored its leadership as host of the inaugural Caribbean Spectrum Management Conference in partnership with Forum Global.

The event, held at the Half Moon Conference Centre in Montego Bay from May 14-15, was followed by a meeting of the Caribbean Telecommunications Union’s Spectrum Management Taskforce on May 16.

As the first of its kind in the region, was a testament to Jamaica’s pioneering role in spectrum management. 

It brought together key stakeholders to discuss vital issues affecting spectrum management across the Caribbean and beyond. The event featured interactive panel discussions, networking opportunities, and presentations, attracting industry leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders from around the globe. Discussions centred on the outcomes of the 2023 World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC-23) and the future of spectrum management in the Caribbean.

Dan Craft, managing director of Forum Global, said it was an easy decision to host the first staging of the conference in Jamaica, stating, “Jamaica is leading spectrum management and spectrum policy in so many ways within the Caribbean region. It was a natural choice for us at Forum Global when searching for a location to bring the region together.” 

The conference opened with an address from Jamaican Telecommunications Minister Daryl Vaz, who in his feature address, emphasised the transformative impact of connectivity in empowering individuals and fostering economic prosperity, advocating for spectrum harmonisation to promote regional integration and economic development, as well as matched regulations that facilitate interoperability and new services.

Jamaica’s significant contribution to the field was further highlighted through discussions on global spectrum awards, pricing, and licensing. 

Experts shared best practices and addressed the unique challenges faced by small island states in the Caribbean. 

The role of spectrum policy in bridging the digital divide was a focal point, emphasising cost-effective solutions and collaboration between regulators and industry stakeholders.

The event presented the opportunity for critical discussions surrounding the roadmap for 5G and other future connectivity technologies in the region, as well as potential approaches for investment and innovation in these areas. 

In assessing country case studies from the Dominican Republic and Jamaica, the conference concluded with a commitment from stakeholders to collaborate closely in addressing these challenges and leveraging emerging technologies to drive socio-economic development and digital inclusion across the region.

Reflecting on the event’s success, Dr Maria Myers-Hamilton, managing director of the Spectrum Management Authority, emphasised the importance of regional cooperation in navigating the evolving landscape of connectivity.

“This conference represented a pivotal opportunity for Jamaica to spearhead advancements in spectrum management and connectivity across the Caribbean,” she said.

“By hosting the Caribbean Spectrum Management Conference, Jamaica is a leader in digital innovation, attracting global expertise and fostering international collaborations. Through these critical discussions and partnerships, the aim was to collaborate our efforts to enhance our technological infrastructure and ensure that Jamaica remains at the forefront of global efforts to bridge the digital divide, benefiting our economy and society as a whole,” added Myers-Hamilton.