A roundup of ICT/technology news from across the Caribbean region for the period Monday 16 February to Sunday 22 February 2015.
Monday, 16 February 2015
BTC Mobile Towers Require $20k Co-Location Upgrade
Bahamas – A senior Digicel executive has bemoaned the failure to design existing Bahamian cell phone towers for co-usage, suggesting it will cost $20,000 per location to modify them… more
BTC union fears competition
Bahamas – Bahamas Communications and Public Officers Union (BCPOU) President Bernard Evans said yesterday he does not believe the Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) is ready for competition… more
Bidder: Mobile Licence Process Is ‘World Class’
Bahamas – A leading contender for the Bahamas’ second cellular licence has described the bidding process as “world class”, and among the best of 50 such exercises he has been involved in… more
Call For Clarity Over Cellphone Licence
Bahamas – OPPOSITION Deputy Leader Peter Turnquest is calling on the government to clarify details surrounding the set up of the country’s second mobile services provider amid what he believes to be confusion about what will happen to the 51 per cent majority share in the company… more
Digicel Aiming To Be ‘Full Service Provider’
Bahamas – Digicel will ultimately become a “full service provider” in the Bahamian communications market if it wins the second cellular licence, as it attacks this process with “full gusto”… more
Digicel likely not interested in third mobile license
Bahamas – Digicel, one of the three companies vying for the country’s second cellular service license, will likely not pursue the potential third license due to limited market share and a three-year delay between licenses, according Digicel Vice President of Business Development Frank O’Carroll… more
Digicel: Local Ownership No Business ‘Limit’
Bahamas – Digicel would not have bid on the second mobile licence if it was unhappy with the Government’s insistence that the winner be 51 per cent majority Bahamian-owned, a senior executive saying it did not see this condition as “limiting”… more
Digicel Targets 1,300 Jobs In Network Roll-Out And Launch
Bahamas – Digicel will create an estimated 1,300 direct and indirect jobs via its network roll-out and launch if chosen as the second Bahamian mobile operator, as it takes aim at “a sleepy incumbent”… more
Digicel: ‘We’ll Cross Union Bridge When We Reach It’
Bahamas – Digicel is unconcerned about trade union hostility towards its bid for the Bahamas’ second cellular licence, a senior executive telling Tribune Business: “We’ll cross that bridge when we come to it.” … more
Ownership, rollout plans criticised; govt intends to delay third licence until 2018
Bahamas – Pan-Caribbean operator Digicel has questioned the Bahamian government’s policies regarding the liberalisation of the cellular market, the Nassau Guardian writes… more
Williams: BTC positioned for competition
Bahamas – As the government moves to liberalize the telecommunications sector, Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) CEO Leon Williams has one message: Bring it on… more
“Belize – Telecoms IP Networks Digital Media and Forecasts” Published
Belize – One the smaller countries in Central America, Belize is the only English-speaking nation in the region, and has closer affinities with countries in the Caribbean than with its immediate neighbours… more
New Digicel boss wants standards raised
Cayman Islands – The new Digicel boss in Cayman says his priority is to raise standards and give customers a better service… more
Claro to invest DOP 35 bln in Dominican Republic
Dominican Republic – Dominican mobile operator Claro aims to invest nearly DOP 35 billion in its local operation within the next three years, El Caribe reports… more
DBJ, UTech sign pact for phase two of U-Touch software
Jamaica – THE Development Bank of Jamaica (DBJ) has provided $7.3 million to the University of Technology (UTech) to continue the development of the U-Touch multimedia software designed to enhance the learning process for deaf and hearing-impaired students… more
Wheatley slams Gov’t for failing to bring ICT legislation to safeguard citizens’ privacy
Jamaica – Opposition spokesman on Science, ICT & Digital Society Development Dr Andrew Wheatley is today highlighting the recent controversy regarding the National Security Interest in Personal Property (NSIPP) regime, which led to a shutdown of the website by the Government, as yet another manifestation of the gaps that exist in the ICT landscape… more
Draft on Advancing Telecommunications in the OECS
Regional – The Caribbean telecommunication sector and wider information and communication technologies (ICT) industry are in a state of transition… more
Hyatt Begins Offering Free Wi-Fi
Regional – Hyatt has officially begun offering free Wi-Fi in all of its hotels and resorts worldwide… more
Riding the Waves of the Future
Regional – Yes, that was the theme of this year’s Caribbean Cable and Telecommunications Association (CCTA) conference. This annual event was held in sunny Montego Bay, Jamaica, over the first week of February… more
Tech News – Tech Problem Of The Week
Regional – Some persons will say that the’90s were the last decade in which persons invested in forming genuine relationships or showing true emotion… more
NEL reports better performance from TSTT
Trinidad and Tobago – National Enterprises Limited (NEL) has already evaluated ownership structure options for TSTT, so when the acquisition of Columbus International by Cable and Wireless (CWC) is finalised a structure can be put in place… more
Tuesday, 17 February 2015
Mobile ‘Holdingco’ To Be National PPP Fund
Bahamas – The ‘HoldingCo’ that will have a 51 per cent majority stake in the Bahamas’ second mobile operator is being structured as a national investment fund, which will ultimately “expand its reach” into private-public partnerships (PPPs) and other economic opportunities… more
SPECIAL REPORT — Slow broadband in regulator’s spotlight
British Virgin Islands – Nearly 18 months ago, the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission held a small celebration at Maria’s by the Sea, a routine event that was supposed to be a happy “re-launch” of the agency. Then Communication and Works Minister Mark Vanterpool rose to speak… more
FTC discontinues investigation of CWC, Columbus deal
Jamaica – The Fair Trading Commission (FTC) has discontinued its investigation into the purchase by Cable & Wireless of Columbus Communication, which operates Flow… more
Digicel Customers Will Never Lose Unused Data Again: Company Launches Rollover Data
Regional – Digicel 4G Data customers will no longer have to worry about losing their unused data when their current plan expires, thanks to the introduction of Rollover Data by the island’s leading telecommunications company… more
Wednesday, 18 February 2015
BTC eyes staff cuts
Bahamas – The Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) intends to offer voluntary separation packages to as many as 150 employees, The Nassau Guardian understands… more
Cable Prices
Bahamas – EDITOR, The Tribune. Following my viewing on television media a night ago, and listening attentively to the discussion on the impending fee hikes of Cable Bahamas products, and their services to the Bahamian public; I personally say no, to such raises, and, for many reasons… more
C&W revenue up by six per cent
Barbados – CABLE & WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS (CWC) is reporting an improved financial performance, including in Barbados where the company says revenue has increased by six per cent since the launch of the Upgrade Barbados initiative late last year… more
Cuba temporarily cuts price of Internet access
Cuba – Cuba has temporarily reduced the hourly charge for using state-run Internet cafes in the country’s first small but substantive public move to increase online access since the declaration of detente with the US… more
CANTO’s 31st Annual Conference & Trade Exhibition to focus on “Improving Lives Through Broadband Innovation”
Regional – CANTO will hold its 31st Annual Conference & Trade Exhibition (CANTO 2015) in Miami Florida from the 26 to 31st July 2015, with the theme “Improving Lives through Broadband Innovation”… more
Seminar Mobile Spectrum Management.
Sint Maarten – On February 16th 2015 Bureau Telecommunications and Post St. Maarten (BTP-SXM) hosted a seminar on Next Generation Mobile Spectrum Management at Divi Little Bay Beach resort, to educate St. Maarten Telecom providers on several topics that are important to effectively manage a mobile telecom network… more
Thursday, 19 February 2015
BTC: No comment on cell tower design accusation
Bahamas – The Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority (URCA) has issued proposed regulations that would require operators of mobile networks, where possible, to share facilities and the Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC)… more
BTC unions on alert
Bahamas – Executives of the Bahamas Telecommunications Company’s (BTC) managers and line staff unions said they will do “whatever it takes” to save the Bahamian jobs that are threatened… more
BTC Wanted To Cut 200 Jobs Pre-Xmas
Bahamas – The Government intervened to prevent the Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) laying off some 200 staff before Christmas, forcing the company to delay the process until the New Year… more
FNM Deputy: ‘No One Satisfied’ With BTC
Bahamas – The Opposition’s deputy leader yesterday said the Bahamas Telecommunications Company’s (BTC) desire to shed another 150 jobs was “not a surprise”, especially given its relatively poor performance post-privatisation… more
ON THE LEFT: Relevance a key point
Barbados – WE SEEM TO BE hearing about new branches of the future constantly… more
ON THE RIGHT: Major role for technology
Barbados – I THINK AS A SOCIETY we have not yet fully caught on to using channels besides branches and there is very little that can be done in the physical branch that cannot be done through alternative channels… more
THE ISSUE: Embracing e-commerce
Barbados – IF YOU WALK INTO a branch owned by any of the five commercial banks operating in Barbados, chances are you will see a line of customers waiting to be serviced by a teller… more
EDITORIAL — VI needs top-tier Internet service
British Virgin Islands – Because Internet service in the Virgin Islands still leaves much to be desired, we are encouraged by ongoing efforts toward improvement… more
Internet service draws complaints
British Virgin Islands – Poor Internet and questionable cell phone service are simply part of a wider culture of poor customer service, and low service expectations, in the Virgin Islands. Simply put, telecom services in the territory are a rip-off… more
Plan to roll out faster mobile Internet
British Virgin Islands – Twenty years ago, ads placed by Cable & Wireless began appearing in the pages of this newspaper depicting a smiling surfer selling dial-up Internet access to the “Information Super Highway.” … more
Tech companies want Caymanians for jobs
Cayman Islands – Tomorrow’s tech sector jobs are available today in Cayman Enterprise City, where companies there are seeking Caymanians to fill those roles… more
UTS Carries Out 4G LTE Trial In Curacao
Curacao – Curacao’s telecoms firm UTS is currently testing its 4G LTE service. The two-week trial is expected to be completed on today… more
Digicel Jamaica gets new boss, O’Brien goes regional
Jamaica – Digicel Jamaica CEO Barry O’Brien is to be promoted to the role of Director of Business Development for Digicel Caribbean and Central America and Board Director for Digicel Barbados after two years at the helm of Digicel in Kingston… more
Jamaica Launches Cybersecurity Strategy
Jamaica – Jamaica has officially launched a new “cybersecurity strategy” for the island… more
Opposition concerned about pace of ICT sector reform
Jamaica – In response to the Government’s approval of the Cable & Wireless and Flow merger, the Opposition Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) says it is concerned about the pace at which the Government is approaching reforms to the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector… more
Online protest launched to promote awareness of child abuse in St Lucia
Saint Lucia – Zandoli International Foundation has embarked on a peaceful online protest for the silent victims of child molestation and sexual abuse in Saint Lucia… more
Sacha Thompson now Digicel CEO for T&T
Trinidad and Tobago – Digicel Trinidad and Tobago chief executive John Delves has been promoted to the role of Digicel regional CEO for Trinidad and Tobago, the French West Indies, Suriname and Barbados, the mobile telecoms provider announced yesterday… more
TSTT deploys LTE technology in Trinidad and Tobago
Trinidad and Tobago – State-controlled telecoms company Telecommunications Services of Trinidad and Tobago (TSTT) has deployed LTE technology to replace its WiMax infrastructure, Telesemana reports… more
Friday, 20 February 2015
BTC TV services to begin testing on Long Island
Bahamas – The Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) has been further developing, improving and expanding the BTC network to transform the entire country into a connected Bahamas… more
BTC Union Moves For Strike Vote
Bahamas – Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC)employees yesterday staged a sick-out in protest at plans to cut up to 150 jobs, with the union representing its line-staff indicating it has applied for a strike vote… more
Gov’t Extends Web Shop Bid Deadline
Bahamas – The Government has extended the deadline for web shops to submit their licence bids by two-and-a-half weeks to March 10, with both sides yet to completely resolve their differences on how the sector’s taxes are to be calculated… more
Minnis appears to back Cable Bahamas bid for license
Bahamas – During his contribution to debate on the mid-year budget communication in the House of Assembly yesterday — and based on the fact that it is 100 percent Bahamian-owned — Free National Movement Leader Dr. Hubert Minnis seemed to endorse the bid of Cable Bahamas Ltd. (CBL) for the second mobile license, due to be awarded before summer 2015… more
PM To Meet BTC CEO
Bahamas – PRIME Minister Perry Christie expects to meet with BTC CEO Leon Williams sometime this week to discuss the company’s plans to streamline staff in preparation for liberalisation of the mobile services sector… more
Sick-out hits BTC
Bahamas – Some workers at the Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) called in sick yesterday, forcing BTC to close its flagship store in the Mall at Marathon and several other locations on New Providence and the Family Islands… more
‘Sick Outs’ Close Doors On Stores
Bahamas – THE Bahamas Communications and Public Officers Union has filed an application for a strike vote against the Bahamas Telecommunications Company, union president Bernard Evans said yesterday… more
Columbus Business Solutions brings true redundancy to Barbados’ Business Landscape
Barbados – Everything breaks down eventually. That is a fact of life so there needs to be methods put in place to deal with these eventualities especially in the world of ICT, where millions of investment and profit dollars are at risk, in addition to the brand’s reputation… more
Tech company offers “foot in door” with paid internships for Caymanians
Cayman Islands – Landing a career in any industry takes drive, determination, and some experience… more
Breathe-It Opens Cuban Market For Mobotix Products
Cuba – Together with MOBOTIX and our local partner, Breathe-IT has organized the first two MOBOTIX training seminars in Cuba and has certified 40 people after completing an intense training… more
Information technology should be one of Guyana’s focal points
Guyana – Dear Editor, The recent advances in information technology are becoming central to the process of socio-economic development in many countries worldwide… more
Cable compendium: a guide to the week’s submarine and terrestrial developments
Regional – Caribbean IXP, which is backed by the Caribbean Telecommunications Union (CTU), the Caribbean Network Operators Group and Packet Clearing House… more
CWU leader: Conflict of interest in CWC/Columbus merger
Regional – Most of the US$5 billion earned annually by the region’s telecommunication sector is taken away by foreign multinationals, Joseph Remy, secretary general of the Communication Workers’ Union (CWU), said yesterday… more
Flow/LIME merger will bring “truly intergrated services” — Hume
Regional – AS the merger between LIME and Columbus Communication Jamaica Ltd looms, the Flow cable operator has vowed it will continue to “outclass” its competitors in customer service, according to a news release yesterday… more
Saturday, 21 February 2015
‘Govt should do more to protect BTC workers’
Bahamas – Free National Movement (FNM) Chairman Michael Pintard yesterday said the government can and should do more to protect the workers who will be laid off from the Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC)… more
Miller: Unions have sucked BTC dry
Bahamas – Talls Pines MP Leslie Miller said yesterday that while he is sorry for the families of those who will lose their jobs at the Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC), he added that the workers have been “their own worst enemy”… more
Digicel makes key changes
Barbados – After leaving Barbados almost two years ago to serve as chief executive officer of Digicel Jamaica, Barry O’Brien is to refocus his energies on the domestic market as a newly appointed director for the island… more
Chinese spyware discovery revives Caribbean cyber-security fears
Regional – Lenovo, the Chinese computer manufacturer that has supplied tens of thousands of laptops to Caribbean governments, is reportedly selling computers that come preinstalled with spyware that hijacks encrypted web sessions and may make users vulnerable to cyber-attacks, security researchers said this week… more
Remy: Focus on cable deal, not Rowley ‘fun’
Trinidad and Tobago – The Communication Workers’ Union (CWU) has criticised the attention being given to photographs of Opposition Leader Dr Keith Rowley dancing with a masquerader during Carnival celebrations in San Fernando last Tuesday… more
Trinidad union to mount protest against CWC/Flow merger
Trinidad and Tobago – The Communication Workers’ Union (CWU) says it plans to step up action to prevent the Trinidad and Tobago government giving regulatory support to moves by the British telecommunications giant, Cable and Wireless Communication (CWC) to acquire Columbus Communication… more
Sunday, 22 February 2015
A look at cyber crimes
Guyana – It speaks well for Guyana’s recognition that the convergence of computing and communications and the exponential growth of digital technology (cyberspace) although bringing enormous benefits also carry great risks as evidenced by the enhanced capacity of individual offenders and criminal networks to exploit new vulnerabilities exposed in the relatively new concept of cyber crime… more
Digicel lifts daily cap on internet usage
Guyana – Mobile giant, Digicel, has announced an end to daily cap for its internet usage… more
K/News to seek Chinese, InterPol help on website cyber attack
Guyana – The management of Kaieteur News is examining legal options after several instances of its website coming under attack in recent weeks… more
Cyber security predictions for 2015
Regional – Our 2014 predictions and awareness mission covered attack vectors across websites, data, email, and networks due a rise in malware infestations as well as a rise in persons being victims of cybercrime across the Caribbean… more
Image credits: Wikipedia; The Eleutheran; Wikipedia; Wikipedia; Wikipedia; Wikipedia
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