Pilot Project to Improve Access to ICT

A pilot project to improve access to Information and Communication Technology (ICT), is to be implemented at a cost of US$500,000, to be provided by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

This is being done in conjunction with the Government, through the Ministry of Science, Technology, Energy and Mining.

The project will focus on the use of TV White Space to expand access to the internet, especially to persons living in rural areas.

Portfolio Minister, Hon. Phillip Paulwell, made the announcement during a Broadband partnership of the Americas, Jamaica TV White Space workshop, held at the Mona Visitor’s Lodge, on July 22.

Mr. Paulwell explained that TV white space technology has been recognized as the solution to access internet connectivity.

“This I believe will go a far way in reinforcing our efforts to enhance internet connectivity and other forms of digital communication to our major population centres as well as townships and villages across Jamaica,” he said.

“TV White Space refers to the data frequencies between broadcasting channels which can be used to provide wireless data connectivity to most communities. These unused TV frequencies will be used to accommodate broadband,” Mr. Paulwell explained.

He added that projects such as this will also serve to increase Jamaica’s global information and communication technology ranking.

For her part, Senior Advisor at the USAID, Paloma Adams-Allen, said the project is aimed at the development of a planning framework and strategies to assess and expand accessibility and adoption of broadband services in Jamaica.

She added that the project also seeks to facilitate the adoption of broadband internet into rural communities, in support of delivering a wide range of socio economic value with a specific focus on, but not limited to providing support for education through access to the internet in schools.

“Current statistics reflect that there is broad coverage and adoption of mobile networks that deliver voice and basic text services across Jamaica. This is a success that has been derived directly from the Government’s market liberalization efforts, primarily driven by the Ministry of Science, Technology, Energy and Mining,” Mrs. Adams-Allen said.

However, she argued that in the area of broadband, “there is much work that needs to be done, especially when it comes to extending affordable broadband into rural communities.”