High Internet And Mobile Data Charges Hampering Business Development - Professor
Professor of Communications Policy and Digital Media at the University of the West Indies, Dr Hopeton Dunn has raised concerns that the high cost of Internet access and mobile data charges may be hampering the ability of Jamaicans to use the Internet for innovation driven activities.
Responding to questions from the The Gleaner, Dunn pointed out several weaknesses in Jamaica’s Information Communication Technology (ICT) sector.
According to Dunn, Jamaica currently benefits from access to a robust global ICT network and diverse content providers.
“We are connected. But there are not enough Jamaicans using broadband services for business development, content creation and economic growth. Part of the reason for this is the high cost of Internet access, including mobile data charges,” he said.
The developments in the ICT sector globally will, according to Dunn, introduce competition from Internet-based telecom and content providers is likely to alter the sector's business model significantly.
“We have to create the legislative and policy environment to manage these changes. Indications of these trends have long been evident the availability of voice over Internet (eg Skype) calls and now in the area of roaming. Given the emergence of packet switched systems, the cost of roaming with data transfer should be trending dramatically down,” he added.
Professor Dunn who also serves as Director of the Mona ICT Policy Centre laments the fact that roaming charges in Jamaica and the Caribbean have not experienced a decline in keeping with the global trends of downward movements in roaming charges.
“In the Caribbean ... roaming charges are astronomical. Europe, for example, will phase out roaming charges within its region within two years ("by 2017"). Regulators, policymakers and providers in Jamaica and the Caribbean should more actively explore how we can also embrace such technology-driven cost reductions for the benefit of our consumers, ICT innovators and businesses,” he argued.
You may also be interested in:
Stakeholders Engage in Consultations to Strengthen National Youth Policy
The Department of Youth Development and Sports, through its Youth Unit, has commenced a four-day series of half-day closed stakeholder consultations aimed at strengthening the development and...
Regional Workshop Strengthens Caribbean Capacity on Genetic Resources
Regional policymakers, scientists, and biodiversity experts gathered from March 3-5, 2026, at The University of the West Indies (UWI), St.
Statement by Hon. Dr. Joyelle Clarke, Minister of Sustainable Development, Environment, Climate Action and Constituency Empowerment of Saint Kitts and Nevis| High-Level Segment, 16th Meeting of the Conference of Parties of the UN Convention on Biological Diversity| Cali, Colombia| 30 October 2024
"The fight for biodiversity cannot be disentangled from the climate crisis. This is why our commitment to the Kunming-Montreal Biodiversity Framework is especially critical and why Saint KittsRelated Stories
Remarks by the Outgoing Chair of the Council for Foreign and Community Relations (COFCOR), Senator the Hon. Kamina Johnson Smith, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Jamaica, at the Opening Ceremony of the Twenty-Seventh Meeting of COFCOR, 23 May 2024, Roseau, Dominica
Dr. Carla Barnett, Secretary-General of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM); Honourable Dr.
Memorandum of Understanding between the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland concerning the establishment of a consultation and cooperation mechanism
The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) on the one part and the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland on the other part (hereinafter referred to as “the Participants”);..