Two Wireless Cable Licences for Service Providers

The Government is offering two wireless cable licences to service providers to afford consumers wider choices.
This was announced by Minister without Portfolio in the Office of the Prime Minister, with responsibility for Information and Telecommunications, Hon. Daryl Vaz, during his presentation in the 2009/10 Sectoral Debate, at Gordon House, yesterday (July 22).
“As the communication and information technologies evolve and become more widely accessible, the Government is opening up new business opportunities by providing licences to allow service providers to roll out wireless-based services to Jamaicans,” Mr. Vaz said. He informed that a wireless broadband licence has already been issued to Digicel Jamaica.
Turning to other matters, Minister Vaz informed that during this fiscal year, the Government would begin the process to modernise the 1941 Postal Services Act, “to provide for the delivery of services consistent with the technological age.”
“I recently received a plan designed to transform and modernise the postal service, which will facilitate online access to Government. This plan will shortly be the subject of further review and wide consultation,” Mr. Vaz said.
Meanwhile, the Minister noted that the Access to Information (ATI) Unit is seeking to implement mechanisms to allow for real-time monitoring and tracking of requests made of public authorities.
“I am happy to report that the ATI Unit has secured grant funding of US$380,000 to support their efforts,” Mr. Vaz added.