GOVERNMENT OF JAMAICA

GOVERNMENT OF JAMAICA TELECOMMUNICATIONS POLICY Prepared by: The Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Technology September 17, 2002 0

TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction... Page 1.0 Context of the Telecommunications Policy Framework... 1 2.0 Telecommunications Policy... 4 3.0 Fundamental Principles of the Telecommunications Policy Framework... 6 3.1 Competition 6 3.2 Universal Access.. 7 3.3 Neutrality on Technology. 9 3.4 Promotion of ICT... 9 4.0 Policy Framework.... 10 4.1 Regulation of the Telecommunications Industry.. 10 4.2 Licensing.... 11 4.3 Convergence.. 12 4.4 Interconnection...... 13 4.5 Rate Rebalancing.. 14 4.6 Management of the Spectrum..... 15 4.7 Numbering Policy...... 16 4.8 Advisory and Appeals Bodies... 18 4.8.2 Jamaica Telecommunications Advisory Council... 18 4.8.2 Telecommunications Appeals Tribunal.. 19 4.9 Service Level Standards... 19 4.10 Voice and Data Services... 20 4.11 Development of the Cable Industry/ISP Sector. 21 4.12 Observance of Jamaica s Regional and International Obligations... 22 4.13 Human Resource Development... 23 4.14 Legislation 24 4.15 Consumer Interests and the Digital Divide. 25 5.0 The Way Forward 26 List of Abbreviations... 28 ii i

INTRODUCTION Jamaica s ICT 1 outlook has been driven by the needs of the market and by the Government of Jamaica s desire to make Jamaica into a centre for e-business and the IT 2 hub of the Caribbean. To make this so, the telecommunications industry has come to the fore. Indeed, Jamaica was one of the first CARICOM 3 countries to move systematically towards demonopolisation of its telecommunications industry. There is no doubt that the availability of, and access to, ICT and telecommunication services are significant factors in competitiveness, e-business facilitation and the development of an information society. The foundations for IT successes in many countries worldwide have been laid within in a competitive environment and in particular, the attraction of FDI 4 has played a key role in the expansion of telecommunications-based industries and nation-building. The development of an appropriate supporting policy will provide the basis for the promotion of telecommunications as an engine of growth and the policy framework will highlight important issues to be considered in the policy implementation process. The purpose of this document is to set out the Government of Jamaica s Telecommunications Policy and its framework. 1 Information and Communication Technologies. 2 Information Technology. 3 Caribbean Community. 4 Foreign Direct Investment. ii

1.0 CONTEXT OF THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS POLICY FRAMEWORK Globally, telecommunications environments are moving away from a monopoly based industry to one which thrives on competition. Recognizing this, as well as the country s need to start setting the stage to become a significant player in the global telecommunications market and for the nation to be an attractive and viable destination for ICT investments, Jamaica become a signatory to the World Trade Organisation s Basic Agreement on Trade in Telecommunication Services. In 1999, the Government of Jamaica (GOJ) made a decision to liberalise the local telecommunications industry. The Government adopted a phased approach in order to ensure the necessary legal and regulatory framework could be put in place to manage the buildout of networks and the introduction of new services. Above all, the overriding concern was telecommunications industry development, while at the same time ensuring consumer protection. The transitional Telecommunications Act, 2000, was introduced in March 2000 which facilitated the gradual opening up of the market to new players. 1

Phase I of the liberalisation process, which took effect on March 1, 2000:- Opened the market to competition in wireless cellular services. Opened the market for the provision of customer equipment. Allowed companies with Single Entity Free Zone status to provide their own telecommunications services. Opened the market to the resale of data, international voice and Internet access. Phase II commenced on September 1, 2001 and covered:- Competition in domestic facilities and services. Cable TV providers (STVOs) being allowed to become Internet Service Providers (ISPs). Phase III will see on March 1, 2003:- All telecommunications facilities open to competition, including international voice and data services. Competition has grown the potential market for domestic cellular service and there are attractive incentives available for companies in the IT Industry. To assist further with the liberalisation process the Jamaica Telecommunications Advisory Council (JTAC) was setup as mandated by Section 58 of the Telecommunications Act 2000. The Council is required to advise the Minister on all matters relating to telecommunications and has been requested to make 2

recommendations relating to reform of the local telecommunications industry, which is ongoing. JTAC also works with stakeholders, such as the Ministry of Health, operating companies and the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) among others, in the provision of information to the Public regarding the adoption of Telecommunications Planning Guidelines that would eventually be translated into Government Policy. JTAC also advises on consumer interests vis-à-vis the safe use of cellular phones and the location of transmission towers, including cell sites. The Telecommunications Appeals Tribunal was set up under Section 61 of the Telecommunications Act to hear appeals by persons aggrieved by any decision of the Office of Utilities Regulation (OUR). Concurrent with this development, existing laws and regulations governing telecommunications in Jamaica are being revised to enable the creation of a modern and competitive telecommunications sector that will allow the population access to both local and international telecommunications (voice and data) services. Finally, a modern telecommunications infrastructure is required not only to facilitate sustained growth in the economy but also to be an engine of growth and development. The present policy seeks to provide the broad framework within which a liberalised telecommunications industry can operate. 3

2.0 TELECOMMUNICATIONS POLICY Jamaica will utilize telecommunications industry development as an engine of growth that will contribute to the achievement of sustained revitalization the Jamaican economy. The Government s main policy goals are: Extension of the wired and wireless networks to encompass the entire geographical and demographic spread of the country. Ensuring infrastructure build-out and service provision on the basis of profitability of the operating companies, but also bearing in mind the need for universal access to disadvantaged sectors, including services to remote (and uneconomic) areas, the disabled and the elderly; Availability of high quality services across a range of telecommunications providers; Access by the business and public sectors to the best available innovations in telecommunications facilities and services at costs that are internationally competitive, so as to stimulate economic and social development through growth of the industry; Ensuring appropriate domestic and international connectivity arrangements that are seamless, efficient and cost competitive; and 4

Fostering a legal and regulatory environment that is responsive, accountable and socially sensitive to the needs of the public, to investors and to emerging technologies. Liberalisation 5 of the local telecommunications market is one means to achieve these goals. Jamaica will introduce competition in the telecommunications market in order to: foster business facilitation and encourage new entrants and value-added services; promote greater use of information and communication technologies (ICT) in the Public Service, non-government and other organizations and private sector businesses; facilitate greater efficiency in industry and commerce; and provide wider consumer choice. Changes in the channels and means of communication are occurring with the convergence in telecommunications, broadcasting and media services, as well as information technologies. Jamaica will take advantage of convergence to ensure that the Jamaican people have access to state-of-the-art technology and a range of telecommunications services at affordable prices. 5 This relates to the opening up of the market and the transfer of decision-making responsibility on market entry, market structure, investment, services and mode of provision, standards and pricing, from the Regulator to the market. The greater the transfer of this responsibility to the market, the greater the degree of liberalisation. 5

3.0 FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES OF THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS POLICY FRAMEWORK This Telecommunications Policy will be applied on the basis of the primary fundamental principles: I. Competition II. III. IV. Universal Access Neutrality on Technology Promotion of ICT These principles are considered to be basic expectations for the Government and People of Jamaica in the provision of all telecommunications services within, into and out of the nation. 3.1 Competition This policy is designed for the introduction of competition into the local telecommunications market for the provision of fixed line, cable, mobile and other wireless services. This competition will unfold through a process of liberalization, which involves an end to monopoly service largely by a single provider and the opening up of the telecommunications market in Jamaica to new entrants and to new services. 6

3.2 Universal Access The motivation for a universal service policy is driven by social values and needs, and can be objectively justified by the existence of a range of production and consumption externalities associated with the technical and network characteristics of telecommunications services. A universal service policy ought to address three (3) basic issues: Type of service(s); Access to such service(s); and Affordability of the service(s). These distinctions also suggest in terms of consumer interests that a universal service policy ought to consider the situation of: individuals who can afford to pay the cost, but lack access; those who cannot afford to pay the cost and lack access; those who have access but cannot afford to pay the cost; and those who do not have access for reasons of special needs (disability). In this Telecommunications Policy, the traditional concept of universal service has been revised to place the emphasis on 7

universal access. This involves the extension of the network and facilities to within reach of all persons in the service area. The emphasis here is not merely on access to wired telephone service by all households, but rather on contact with the network in a meaningful way being able to use the service whether it is located within a household or not. The main elements of universal access include: Physical build-out of the network to cover unserved/ underserved areas in both rural (and remote) and urban (and inner city) areas. Ability to utilize the network (knowledge/expertise to use the network effectively). Affordability of the network. Access to the emergency services, eg. Fire Brigade, Police, Air Sea Rescue etc. (i.e. toll-free calls). Access to the network by persons with disabilities. Access to public telephones and call boxes (including service delivery via pre-paid card, credit card and coin telephones). The provision of universal service will not be restricted to the incumbent mainline service provider. All this has implications for the cost of the provision of universal service. The Regulator 8

will oversee how Universal Access will be applied in the market and will consider appropriate methods of financing a Universal Access Fund. 3.3 Neutrality on Technology This policy will not seek to prescribe the type(s) of technology that can be used to provide telecommunications services in Jamaica. This is aimed at encouraging the introduction of new technologies and services as these can become available locally to consumers. This policy is also meant to be technology neutral in Phase 3 with regard to the non-separation of voice and data services in terms of meeting the social objectives of any telecommunications service. It will therefore be the responsibility of the appropriate Government Authorities and Regulators to monitor events in the market, as well as standards and the composition of imports, to ensure quality service provision and consumer protection. 3.4 Promotion of ICT This policy promotes the development and use of ICT to meet all needs of the people of Jamaica, and specifically to enhance social objectives in education, health and national security. 9

4.0 POLICY FRAMEWORK Jamaica s Telecommunications Policy will take into account the following issues: 4.1 Regulation of the Telecommunications Industry The evolution of a competitive telecommunications environment will require institutions and rules that are flexible enough to accommodate technical convergence, interconnection, universal access/service, and the national IT initiative. The Government has currently designated the Office of Utilities Regulation (OUR) to regulate telecommunications as one sector within its area of responsibility. The OUR issues telecommunication licences and in protecting consumer interests, ensures compliance with the terms and conditions of these licences. The character of the liberalization process which involves change management, will also mean a re-definition of the relationship between policy-makers and the Regulator. Effective management of the telecommunications industry by a single independent telecommunications Regulator 6 has been 6 The single Regulator would incorporate telecommunications functions of the OUR, the technical functions of the Broadcasting Commission (BC) and the regulatory functions of the Spectrum Management Authority (SMA). The Fair Trading Commission (FTC), with a wider remit, would remain separate from this converged entity. 10

mandated by Government to facilitate effective competition and to regulate the telecommunications sector in a transparent, non-discriminatory and accountable manner. In order to facilitate and safeguard efficiencies in procedures, the Telecommunications Act should impose time limits on the Regulator to act on, and dispose of, matters brought before it for adjudication, including but not limited to, applications for licences, customer queries or complaints from consumers, as well as queries or complaints from service providers. 4.2 Licensing The telecommunications regime in Phase 3 will continue to be operated on the basis of the award of licences. As such, licences already issued to the mainline incumbent and other operating companies will be honoured in Phase 3. At the same time, the revised licensing regime will allow for competition in all areas of telecommunications effective March 2003. The Regulator will determine a scale of fees for such applications. Where necessary for national development, licensing and policy changes will be negotiated with the mainline incumbent. In the award of licences, consideration should be given to the number of players in the market 7, the consumption of national 7 eg. To assess market saturation. 11

(natural) resources and the viability of the business. The method, number and pricing of such licences should be founded on at least two fundamental distinctions: Licences that require the use of a finite resource, as in the radio spectrum (i.e. to monitor and use the spectrum as a public resource); and Other operating Licences (i.e. to monitor operations with revenue potential and value added in the end user markets served). The Regulator should also be empowered to take action leading to the revocation of licences. This is proposed in cases where licensees have been shown to be in breach of the conditions of their licence(s) or have not commenced operations after twelve (12) months of the date of the granting of such licences. 4.3 Convergence The convergence of telecommunications, information technology and media services is resulting in a blurring of the distinctions between the forms of delivery used to carry different types of content. GOJ intends to promote greater use of the Internet, e-government and local companies actively engaging in electronic commerce, but is mindful of the potential dangers inherent in the use of such interactive media. 12

Technological convergence 8 has led to a fusion of markets and consequentially to a profound impact on the underlying economics of service provision and delivery. In particular, the range of services that can be offered by firms in previously isolated markets has expanded greatly, and this in turn has transformed scale and scope economies, as well as servicespecific incremental costs. The import of all this is that previously distinct industries, subject to varying modes of regulation now need to be brought under a common regime to facilitate the extraction of the efficiency and service provision benefits of convergence, as well as reduce the administrative and information costs of regulation. The Telecommunications Policy therefore seeks to maximise the benefits of convergence for national development. 4.4 Interconnection Interconnection between service providers is a complex area, since this requires administrative and technical cooperation between competing industry players. Responsibility for the design and monitoring of all systems for interconnection and their technical inter-working should continue to be a matter of primary focus by the Regulator. 8 This relates to technological, market or legal/regulatory capacity to integrate across previously separated technologies, markets or politically defined industry structures (ITU). 13

Any revised Telecommunications Act should make clear what the expectations are of the mainline wired operating company, in the event that other service providers will need to rely on its facilities as the basis to provide their services. The provisions should not be so narrowly crafted, however, as to preclude the possibility that at a future date companies may rely on another entity s facilities for such services. Interconnection rates and price cap regulation can also have strong implications for competitive rivalry. The effective management of a liberalised telecommunications environment is likely to require regulatory capability that can increasingly provide a transparent and clear justification for interconnection rates, that are founded on high quality domestic cost information, that can stand up to third-party examination and/or judicial review. Interconnection monitoring will be required to ensure access to the mainline incumbent s or other telephone infrastructure in a fair and non-discriminatory manner, with recourse to the Regulator and the Telecommunications Appeals Tribunal in case of disputes. 4.5 Rate Rebalancing The issue of access deficit charges and its implications for universal service, price caps and rate rebalancing still require attention by the Regulator. One of the pressures for rates to be 14

rebalanced in the future is driven by reform of the international accounting rate system. As a necessary initial step before meaningful rate rebalancing strategies can be implemented, the mainline incumbent operator (and other operators in due course) will be required to provide sufficient robust cost information to enable the extent of any rate imbalances to be identified 9. In light of this ongoing rate reform, and bearing in mind any imbalances identified between the structure of rates and costs, the rate rebalancing 10 strategy developed by the Regulator will need to be reviewed periodically, following consultation with interested Parties. However, efficient price and rate determination is contingent on the availability of accurate cost information and the appropriate level of detail that will allow the Regulator to realistically verify and effectively make regulatory decisions on the basis of quality information made available. 4.6 Management of the Spectrum The radio frequency spectrum is a finite resource, which must be carefully managed to ensure that it is exploited by service providers and managed by the Regulator to the maximum 9 It is likely that the rates for domestic telephone services will continue to be subsidised by profits obtained by the incumbent mainline operator on international calls. Reductions in accounting rates, which govern the payments between operators on international calls, may limit the extent to which the mainline incumbent will be able to continue to subsidise its domestic telephone rates. 10 Rate rebalancing is a change in the structure of telephone prices, but not the overall level (which is the subject of rate reviews). Economic efficiency is enhanced by a rate structure that appropriately reflects the underlying structure of costs. 15

benefit of the people of Jamaica. Key elements in the management of the spectrum by the Regulator include: Spectrum will always be made available for essential national security needs. Spectrum will be made available for broadcasting and subscriber television services, and the Regulator will be required to consult with the Broadcasting Commission on such allocations. Special interest will be provided for, such as aeronautical, maritime and emergency telecommunications needs. Adherence to international interest will be ensured. Spectrum management will be carried out by the Regulator within a clearly defined Government policy framework to ensure that common resources are exploited for the benefit of the people of Jamaica. 4.7 Numbering Policy Telephone numbers should be considered a public resource. Numbers, like spectrum, are finite and procedures should be developed to ensure their efficient use. The Regulator has responsibility for numbering policy and administration of the 16

national numbering plan for local telephony. The numbering policy should take account of the following issues: - Flexibility to meet future needs: Increasing demand for numbers will arise from the introduction of new telecommunications services as well as the growth in existing services, such as Directory Query. Facilitating effective competition: All telecommunications providers will receive fair and non-discriminatory treatment in the allocation of numbers. Number portability will be introduced where appropriate. Cost effectiveness: The development of the numbering plan will take account of the costs that may be imposed on consumers, operators and service providers. Provision of information to consumers on country and local area codes: Where possible, numbers will indicate meaningful information to callers, such as the type of call and the price band. Service providers should formally apply for and justify the need for numbers, not on the basis of forecasts but rather on the ability to offer service. The Regulator should set standards of utilisation and conduct audits to ensure compliance. The Telecommunications Act should empower the Regulator to recall previously assigned number schemes from carriers in 17

cases where there has been no service provision within the number scheme upon the expiration of a defined time limit from its assignment and/or in the event of breach of any utilisation standards. The Telecommunications Act should empower the Regulator to make a determination as to whether number portability between service providers is desirable and economically viable, and if so, to oblige service providers to facilitate this for their customers. The Act should also oblige the regulatory body to interact with the appropriate international bodies engaged in telephony management and switching to ensure that local numbering plans are known to the international telecommunications sector. 4.8 Advisory and Appeals Bodies 4.8.1 Telecommunications Advisory Council The Jamaica Telecommunications Advisory Council (JTAC), referred to in the Telecommunications Act, will function as a transitional body. In a period not exceeding 3-5 years, the role of the Council should be reviewed. JTAC could eventually evolve into a voluntary association of operating companies and other industry players. During its existence, JTAC will continue to be the government entity with the mandate to conduct surveys to see how 18

telecommunications facilities in service areas are utilized. One of the roles of the Advisory Council to recommend to the Minister a nominee to the Telecommunications Appeals Tribunal would eventually be assumed by the proposed voluntary industry trade/association or grouping. The source of administrative and financial support for the operation of the Council should be clearly defined in any revised Telecommunications Act. 4.8.2 Telecommunications Appeals Tribunal The Telecommunications Appeals Tribunal, referred to in the Telecommunications Act, should be treated as a permanent body. The Tribunal will meet to hear cases 11 referred to it by aggrieved industry operators, as and when necessary. The source of administrative and financial support for the operation of the Tribunal should be clearly defined in any revised Telecommunications Act. That Act should also require the Appeals Tribunal to determine matters within a reasonable period of time. 4.9 Service Level Standards The Telecommunications Act should empower and oblige the Regulator to consult with the industry, to develop and review 11 In future, the work of the Telecommunications Appeals Tribunal will not necessarily relate to the OUR as it is now in relation to telecommunications operating companies, but rather to the single Regulator. 19

minimum service level standards to be met by telecommunication providers as a condition to the award of their operating licence(s). These standards should cover the fundamental precepts of telecommunications operations, including but not limited to, service provision, connectivity and access, transmission quality and customer relations management (query and complaints resolution). The Act should also empower the Regulator to impose sanctions on service providers who breach established service level standards, by means ranging from refunds to customers, to fines and/or suspension or revocation of operating licences depending on the severity of any such breach. 4.10 Voice and Data Services The mainline incumbent currently maintains a separation between voice and data markets. This separation necessitates the use of separate facilities by end users to access both types of services. The distinction is artificial since state-of-the-art technology already enables the integration of both markets and the use of common transmission facilities. The Telecommunications Act should therefore be neutral on technology, including technologies employed for the purposes of transporting both voice and data. In other words, the Act should not attempt to differentiate between transmissions 20

designated specifically as voice or data, nor between transport methodologies, such as wired or wireless transmission or VOIP 12, and should provide for customer choice in exploiting available technologies to access telecommunications services. In a liberalized environment, the Act should also clearly define the strict circumstances that could lead to the designation of any customer premises equipment as Prescribed Equipment, as well as the procedure for revocation of any such designation. At the same time, the Act should also provide for severe sanctions to be applied where the Regulator (Court of Law) finds that a person or group of persons or body corporate is engaged in the on-selling of telecommunications transmission services without the appropriate licence. 4.11 Development of the Cable Industry/ ISP Sector Despite heightened expectations about the potential of the cable sector to develop into service providers for the Internet and local telephony, the award of STVO ISP licences have not to date had the desired effect of increasing consumer choice in the market. The reasons relate to both an incompatibility between the narrow zoning arrangements in the delivery of cable services and the broader market requirements of ISPs and other voice and data services. The low uptake also relates in large measure to the high cost of providing the service, 12 Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP) 21

inadequate training of in-house personnel to handle the new media and preparation for the administrative requirements to provide the new service. Assistance is therefore required for potential ISP operating companies in the cable sector. In these circumstances, it is recommended, that JAMPRO continues to work with the sector to harness its potential functions as an ISP and moreover, as an alternative wired network to the main incumbent wireline service provider. 4.12 Observance of Jamaica s Regional and International Obligations This Telecommunications Policy encourages active participation by Jamaica in regional and international fora to: (i) ensure that Jamaica benefits fully from cooperation in telecommunications. (ii) fulfill Jamaica s regulatory commitments to the World Trade Organisation (WTO) as a signatory to the Basic Agreement on Trade in Telecommunication Services, relating in particular to: Universal access that will be administered in a transparent, non-discriminatory and competitively neutral manner. 22

Interconnection with the incumbent made available on a fair and non-discriminatory basis, with recourse to the Regulator in the case of disputes. Implementation of effective spectrum and numbering management principles. Telecommunications development in Jamaica should seek to influence developments in the CARICOM Single Market and the Free Trade Area of the Americas processes and in that context be seen as driving a regional telecommunications framework. Jamaica should also seek to promote unified CARICOM positions on telecommunications issues and carry these forward into the international arena. 4.13 Human Resource Development While considerable attention will have to be paid to the structural and technological factors, it is of crucial importance that the human resources element of industry planning should not be neglected. With the continuing emergence of new technologies over time, there is a need to have in place personnel with the appropriate skill-sets in the Government Ministries and Agencies associated with the promotion of ICT and telecommunications regulation. 23

4.14 Legislation The law s main purpose would be to give legal effect to the Government of Jamaica s policy to introduce and promote competition in the provision of telecommunication services. This pro-competition legislation will set out: how local telephone carriers, including STVOs, can enter and compete in the market; how, and under what circumstances, carriers will be allowed to provide long distance services; how the industry will be regulated (including provisions relating specifically to the composition and work of a single Regulator); how the rights of consumers will be protected as the liberalization process unfolds; how the interests of the operating companies will be safeguarded; how Universal Access will be applied in the build-out of networks and the roll-out of new services; and how the rules will be applied in this new era of competition. 24

Telecommunications legislation will affect telephone service (local and long distance), Internet service over cable and relationships between consumers and providers. In short, it will affect how we communicate. Such legislation has the potential to change the way we learn, live and work. 4.15 Consumer Interests and the Digital Divide With regard to social inclusion, the Government of Jamaica has adopted Universal Access as a fundamental principle in this national Telecommunications Policy and had identified groups in danger of being affected by the digital divide 13. In this policy, every effort has been made to ensure that the interests of consumers, whether these are households, end users or other service providers, have been represented. This policy seeks to promote better access, consultation with the industry, standards for services and affordability as components in the provision of telecommunications services to all consumers. 13 Digital divide is a term used to describe the discrepancy between people who have access to and the resources to use new information and communication tools such as computers and the Internet, between those who have the skills, knowledge and abilities to make use of technologies and people who do not have such access/ability. The digital divide can also exist between those living in rural areas and those living in urban areas, between the educated and the uneducated, between economic classes, and on a global scale between the more and less developed countries (industrially). 25

5.0 THE WAY FORWARD Telecommunications is a truly global industry that thrives on competition and multilateral co-operation. For Jamaica to benefit from developments in telecommunications, it must actively participate in the formulation of telecommunication policy and regulations, nationally, regionally and internationally. The Government of Jamaica is now working towards readiness for Phase 3. With a commencement date of March 2003, it is fitting at this time for the Government to have in place the appropriate administrative, legal and regulatory framework to give effect to this policy direction. The transitional Telecommunications Act is being revised to allow for greater competition in the telecommunications market, as well as for the provision of international telecommunication services and more effective regulation of the industry in the new liberalised operating environment expected in March 2003. The Government of Jamaica, through the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Technology (MICT), is currently undertaking a process of examination of Expressions of Interest to see how best private sector interests can be accommodated in this process. 26

Bearing in mind the issue of convergence, steps are also underway to converge and locate telecommunications functions within a single regulatory body that can effectively monitor new media in telecommunications and broadcasting. In the next phase of the liberalization process, it is envisaged that private sector companies will take advantage of the opening up of the market to pursue new ventures. The anticipated expansion in telecommunication businesses will help to play its part in improving employment levels for skilled persons in the industry and will foster economic growth and national development. Looking ahead, the outlook is promising, the Government of Jamaica hopes to be able to reap the benefits of a liberalised telecommunications market over the next few years. 27

LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS BC - Broadcasting Commission Cable TV - Cable Television CARICOM - Caribbean Community FTC - Fair Trading Commission GOJ - Government of Jamaica ICT - Information and Communication Technologies Incumbent - Cable and Wireless Jamaica Limited ISP - Internet Service Provider IT - Information Technology ITU - International Telecommunications Union JAMPRO - Jamaica Promotions Corporation JTAC - Jamaica Telecommunications Advisory Council MICT - Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Technology NEPA - National Environment and Planning Agency OUR - Office of Utilities Regulation Regulator - Appropriate Industry Regulator SMA - Spectrum Management Authority STVO - Satellite Television Operator VOIP - Voice Over Internet Protocol WTO - World Trade Organisation 28