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As demand for streaming, social media, cloud services and digital content continues to rise across the region, Flow is encouraging a wider Caribbean discussion on how major global technology companies can more meaningfully support the infrastructure that powers the online experience of millions of consumers.

The discussion was raised by Stephen Price, Vice President and General Manager of Flow, during a recent regional panel discussion on utilities regulation and resilience at the Organisation of Caribbean Utilities Regulators Conference. 

Price said Caribbean consumers are among the most enthusiastic adopters of global digital platforms, using them daily for communication, business, education and entertainment. However, he noted that the networks carrying that growing traffic require constant investment, upgrades and protection—particularly in island states with higher operating costs and increased climate vulnerability.

“The Caribbean has embraced the digital world in a major way, and consumers benefit greatly from the platforms and services now available to them,” said Price. “At the same time, we must also consider how the infrastructure that makes all of this possible continues to be strengthened and sustained.”

He said telecom operators across the region continue to invest heavily in fibre networks, mobile capacity, resilience systems and rural expansion, often while managing the realities of smaller populations, dispersed geography and weather-related risk.

“In markets like ours, building and maintaining world-class networks requires significant commitment and long-term capital,” Price said. “That is why the conversation around fair contribution is both timely and important.”

He further noted that the revenue measures announced by Minister Fayval Williams to capture tax revenue from online digital services, could be a method used by regional governments to support universal access, and that once implemented by the Ministry of Finance, could become a model for the entire region to support the growth of the Caribbean’s digital ecosystem.

Price stressed that the discussion is not about limiting innovation or discouraging global investment, but about ensuring the digital ecosystem remains balanced, inclusive and prepared for future growth.

“We welcome innovation, competition and the many opportunities these services bring,” he said. “What we are advocating for is a practical conversation on shared responsibility—where those benefiting most from network demand also help support the continued evolution of those networks.”

He added that any approach should be guided through partnership among governments, regulators and industry stakeholders, with a regional lens that reflects the Caribbean’s unique realities.

“The Caribbean will always be stronger when we move together,” Price said. “A coordinated regional approach can help create fair, modern frameworks that protect consumers, encourage investment and support long-term digital development.”

Price noted that as technologies such as AI, smart devices and immersive content increase data demand even further, strengthening digital infrastructure will become even more critical to national competitiveness.

“The future economy will run on connectivity,” he said. “Ensuring that our networks remain strong, resilient and ready for what comes next is in everyone’s interest.”

Flow said it remains committed to partnering with public and private stakeholders to advance digital progress, expand access and help shape a stronger connected future for Jamaica and the wider Caribbean.