The Opposition Jamaica Labour Party, JLP, is accusing Technology Minister, Phillip Paulwell, of ‘hustling off’ the country’s spectrum.
Opposition Spokesman on ICT, Dr. Andrew Wheatley, is criticizing Minister Paulwell’s decision to increase the aggregate spectrum cap from 80 to 120 Megahertz.
Dr. Wheatley says this was done with ‘limited’ consultation with stakeholders and the Spectrum Management Authority.
He’s concerned that by selling more of the finite spectrum to the current telecom providers, Digicel and LIME, the government could prevent another provider from entering the market.
Dr. Wheatley was speaking yesterday at a press conference at the JLP’s Belmont Road Headquarters, in St. Andrew.
Dr. Wheatley says the increase in the spectrum cap results in Jamaica operating outside acceptable limits and industry standards.
According to him, Minister Paulwell has said the cap was increased to allow the award of the 700 Megahertz spectrum band to Digicel.
He’s also noted the early payment in April for the renewal of the licences for both LIME and Digicel, one year ahead of the due date.
Dr. Wheatley says ‘hustling off’ the country’s national resources will cost the country more in the long term.
AND, he says there are several questions for Minister Paulwell to answer why he decided to adjust the policy.
Dr. Andrew Wheatley, Opposition Spokesman on ICT and Technology.
