Roundup: for the week ending 30 April 2017 | ICT Pulse – The leading technology blog in the Caribbean

A roundup of the latest ICT/technology news from across the Caribbean region for the period Monday 24 April to Sunday 30 April 2017.

Monday, 24 April 2017

Call to cell phone service providers

British Virgin Islands – Hello Cell Phone Service Providers: I am making this call (hopefully it doesn’t drop before I can finish what I have to say) on behalf of the thousands of us who are your customers asking for an improvement in the cell phone services we are currently receiving… more

Bitcoin: Dominican market posts record volumes

Dominican Republic – Livebitcoinnews.com on Monday said another week of bitcoin trading is in the books, “and some new records have been set once again. It is obvious cryptocurrency will make a big impact in a lot of countries around the world.” … more

Phone Call Saved My Life, Says St Thomas Man

Jamaica – It was a phone call from his sister around 10 o’clock Saturday night that awoke 46-year-old Rohan Foster in time to save his life and that of his tenant and her three-month-old baby… more

International Girls in ICT Day

Regional – International Girls in ICT Day is an initiative backed by all ITU Member States… more

Marketing Strategies Today: How to make money with a podcast

Regional – When you want to have a podcast one thing you need to know how to do is be very different from the competition… more

United States and the Caribbean getting aggressive on Cyber Crime in the West Indies

Regional – The 15 member grouping of the Caribbean Community are seeking to rapidly redress areas of security and legislation as it pertains to cyber-crime in the West Indies… more

Tuesday, 25 April 2017

Students to access CXC ebooks – Online learning hub launched

British Virgin Islands – While disclosing that his ministry is partnering with the Caribbean Examination Council (CXC) to grant students access to CXC books online, Minister of Education Myron Walwyn said plans are still in motion to issue tablet devices to junior students attending public secondary schools by next academic year… more

Chamber offers Internet Marketing Programme

Cayman Islands – The Cayman Islands Chamber of Commerce and the Internet Marketing Association have forged a partnership to enable the Chamber to run the Certified Internet Marketing programme… more

GTT says Internet outages likely during system upgrade

Guyana – The Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GTT) on Tuesday appealed to customers to be patient with Internet “outages” they may experience as the company takes high-tech steps to ensure a faster and reliable service by the third quarter of this year… more

GTT says upgrading broadband network

Guyana – GTT today announced that work is well underway to apply the latest generation of networking technologies and equipment to its broadband network… more

Phone credit leads to prison brawl

Guyana – Inmates from the New Amsterdam Prison on Saturday during a prison brawl sustained injuries about their bodies after a fight erupted… more

FLOW chooses eco-friendly operations

Jamaica – Telecommunications firm FLOW says it has reaffirmed its commitment to support the global “Go Green” agenda for businesses to implement eco-friendly practices and methods in their day-to-day affairs… more

Knowledge-based society critical – Wheatley

Jamaica – Minister of Science, Energy and Technology, Dr Andrew Wheatley, says if Jamaica is to compete globally, it must develop an efficient knowledge-based society… more

Caribbean telecom markets marked by asymmetric development

Regional – The Caribbean telecom sector is characterized by asymmetric development, making the advent of new technologies such as 5G unpredictable… more

45 public Wi-Fi hot-spots coming soon

Trinidad and Tobago – Chairman of the Telecommunications Authority of Trinidad and Tobago (TATT) Gilbert Peterson says the country is expected to benefit from 45 Wi-Fi hotspots in public spaces… more

Cuffie: Data can become T&T’s new oil

Trinidad and Tobago – “DATA is the new oil.” … more

TATT to bring free wifi to public places

Trinidad and Tobago – THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS Authority of Trinidad and Tobago (TATT) is currently working with Government to bring free wifi access to public places starting with the roll out of hotspots at 45 locations… more

Wednesday, 26 April 2017

Mobile number portability delayed until tomorrow

Bahamas – Mobile number portability (MNP) is once again delayed and is now expected to launch tomorrow, according to Director of Policy and Regulation at the Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority (URCA) Stephen Bereaux… more

Update on Mobile Number Portability

Bahamas – On 17 February 2017, URCA issued its Final Determination (ECS 01/2017), which required service providers, BTC and Aliv, to ensure readiness for the launch of Mobile Number Portability (MNP) by 14 April 2017… more

Belize Pioneers With 1st National Cyber-Security Forum

Belize – n the occasion of Cyber Awareness Day 2017, Belize this morning took a pioneering step in bringing together a wide cross-section of internet users, regulators, educators, law enforcement officials and even members of various arms of government, including the judiciary, for a week-long symposium to address the pervasive threats posed by cyber-bullying, cyber-crimes and related security threats… more

GT&T to complete Guyana network upgrade in Q3

Guyana – Guyana Telephone and Telegraph (GTT), owned by ATN International, is carrying out a broadband network upgrade alongside technology integrator General Datatech… more

CONATEL prepares for next cyclone season

Haiti – Jean Marie Altema, Director General of the National Telecommunications Council (CONATEL), organized a working session with telecommunications operators Digicel, Natcom and Access Haiti in preparation for the cyclone season… more

FLOW To Power International ‘Girls In ICT’ Day Celebrations

Jamaica – Telecommunications firm FLOW will be taking a lead role by encouraging more Jamaican women and girls to consider careers in the field of information communication technology (ICT)… more

More than 300 girls for ICT conference tomorrow

Jamaica – More than 300 students from 30 schools will participate in a Girls in Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Day conference at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel on April 27… more

Claro Caribbean sales dip 1% in Q1, mobile subs up 3%

Regional – America Movil’s Caribbean units reported first-quarter revenues of USD 478 million, down 1.1 percent year-on-year, attributed to a contraction in voice revenues in the Dominican Republic, offset in part by the improving performance of Claro Puerto Rico… more

First Ever Caribbean Digitization Workshop Kicks Off In St. Kitts And Nevis

Saint Kitts and Nevis – The first ever Caribbean Digitization Workshop aimed at exploring low-cost methods of digitizing personal memories across the region is currently underway in St. Kitts and Nevis under the theme “Preserving Your Memories in a Digital World”… more

Chamber to reveal latest security technology

Trindiad and Tobago – THE Chaguanas Chamber of Industry and Commerce (CCIC) promises to showcase the latest technology, products and services at its Safety, Security and Sustainability (SSS) Expo and Conference to be held in June… more

Cybercriminals targeting small businesses

Trindiad and Tobago – Recent trends show that small businesses are vulnerable to attacks by cybercriminals… more

Thursday, 27 April 2017

BTC rolls out new, affordable plans for postpaid clients

Bahamas – Mobile number portability (MNP) is expected to launch today and Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) continues to roll out new plans for its customers in order to compete with new mobile carrier Aliv… more

‘Competition Explosion’ From Number Portability

Bahamas – Number portability could create an ‘explosion’ of competition in the mobile sector, the Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority’s (URCA) acting chief executive said yesterday, describing it as a “critical enabler” to the sector… more

Female Digicel Engineers make tech fun

Barbados – Five students had a “good” time at the Digicel (Barbados) Headquarters in Warrens as they joined with girls around the World to celebrate International Girls in ICT Day… more

Girls ‘hack’ for a better Barbados

Barbados – Girls and young women in Barbados joined others across the Caribbean in a hackathon… more

National Cyber Security Symposium addresses cyber threats in Belize

Belize – Fitting seemingly well in current times and events in Belize, especially as it relates to social media, a symposium on the awareness of Cyber Secuirty and cyber bullying is being held on Monday, April 24, 2017 and will carry on until Friday, April 28… more

Robbers Hit Go Wireless in Belize City

Belize – Police in Belize City are still busy fighting crime, even though the gang element has for now been removed as a major source of worry… more

Brin leaving CCT for managerial post at BVI-IAC

British Virgin Islands – Long-serving marketer in the telecoms industry, Janette Brin, has been appointed Manager at the British Virgin Islands International Arbitration Centre (BVI-IAC)… more

Impact17 explores innovation in digital age

Cayman Islands – Digital disruption and the influence of big data drove conversation at Cayman’s third annual Impact conference Thursday… more

Google goes live in Cuba

Cuba – US tech giant Google has become the first private company to offer internet services in Cuba… more

Cable & Wireless is Exclusive Telecommunications Partner of DAIC Business Awards 2017

Dominica – Cable and wireless communications through its consumer brand Flow and its business brand C&W Business is the exclusive telecommunications partner of the DAIC Business Awards to be held at the Fort Young Hotel today Thursday April 27th… more

GTT picks GTD to upgrade broadband network

Guyana – The Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GTT) has contracted US technology integrator General Datatech (GDT) to carry out a major upgrade of its broadband system, reports local website Demerara Waves… more

Guyana’s state radio, TV gets new board

Guyana – Guyana’s state radio and television broadcaster, National Communications Network (NCN) gets a new board of directors… more

Focus today on girls in ICT

Jamaica – Telecommunications firm FLOW says it will be taking the lead role by encouraging more Jamaican women and girls to consider careers in the field of information communication technology (ICT)… more

Hackathons on across the Caribbean today

Regional – Today girls and young women from 15 schools will gather to compete in a Caribbean Hackathon in observance of International Telecommunications Union’s (ITU) Girls in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Day… more

Internet Suriname suffers from submarine cable fault

Suriname – A fault in the Americas II submarine cable in St.Croix, is currently experiencing ensures that Internet traffic in Suriname possible obstruction. It announced the Telecommunications Company Suriname (Telesur)… more

Analytics-based CCTV systems are actually good for business

Trinidad and Tobago – There has been significant growth in the number of companies using closed-circuit television (CCTV), also known as video surveillance, in areas that have higher risks of property loss, damage or human injury which drive up business costs. Bars, banks, casinos, schools, hotels, airports, hospitals, parking lots and public transportation areas, restaurants, military and national security operations and convenience stores are among the key candidates where CCTV systems are installed… more

Cops seize cops’ phones

Trinidad and Tobago – THE cellular phones of eight police officers, from Constable to Executive rank, have been seized by Professional Standards Bureau officers investigating the leak of a confidential memo which outlined the Central Division police anti-crime plan for the recent long Easter weekend holiday… more

Trinidad to host digital financial services workshop

Trinidad and Tobago – On 27-28 April 2017, a digital financial services (DFS) workshop will be convened in Port of Spain, Trinidad, to update policy makers in the Caribbean about the latest trends in financial technology… more

Friday, 28 April 2017

A&B looking to embrace Bitcoin

Antigua and Barbuda – The Cabinet of Antigua & Barbuda has instructed the Attorney General, Steadroy “Cutie” Benjamin to draft laws for the implementation of Bitcoin… more

BTC: Customers may port numbers without settling bills

Bahamas – With the launch of mobile number portability (MNP) yesterday, CEO of Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) Leon Williams highlighted the importance of establishing a credit bureau in The Bahamas amid the concern that post-paid customers with outstanding debt obligations will not be required to pay off their balances in order to keep their numbers when migrating between mobile operators…. more

CWC concerned over impact tax increases could have on revenue

Bahamas – Cable & Wireless Communications Limited (CWC), part owner of the Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC), pointed out that any increase in value-added tax (VAT) or similar revenue-based taxes could have an “adverse impact” on the company’s ability to maintain or increase revenue… more

Cyber Expert To Give Commencement Address

Bahamas – CYBER security expert Dr Herbert Hugh Thompson will deliver the commencement address at the University of The Bahamas’ historic Spring 2017 Commencement, the first since the institution’s charter on November 10, 2016… more

Mobile Portability’s Launch ‘Promising’

Bahamas – The first day of mobile number portability was described as “promising” by the Bahamas’ two providers, with each reporting strong customer interest… more

Official Remarks by The Attorney-General on The Bahamas’ Third Observance of The ITU’s International Girls in ICT Day

Bahamas – Remarks By Senator The Honourable Allyson Maynard Gibson, QC at The Bahamas Third Observance Of The ITU’s International Girls in ICT Day Thursday April 27, 2017 at Melia Resort, Cable Beach… more

World Renowned Cybersecurity Expert to Address UB’s Historic Commencement

Bahamas – World renowned cybersecurity expert Dr. Herbert Hugh Thompson will deliver the Commencement Address at the University of The Bahamas’ historic Spring 2017 Commencement, the first since the institution’s charter on 10^th November 2016… more

GTT, Digicel attribute poor quality service to upgrade efforts

Guyana – Over the past few weeks, Kaieteur News has been receiving complaints about poor quality service being experienced by customers of both Digicel and the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GTT)… more

Web-based surveillance system for hotels on the cards

Guyana – The establishment of a web-based disease surveillance system for hotels, together with training for hospitality staff to report events that could threaten the nation’s health, is currently on the cards… more

Digicel Posts Negative Cash Flow For Year Ending 2017

Jamaica – The Digicel Group generated negative cash flow for its financial year ending March 2017 but is on track to break even by 2020, according to United States-based Moody’s Investors Service, which tracks the telecommunications company’s financials… more

Girls envison themselves in IT careers

Jamaica – More than 90 high school girls and young women yesterday participated in the International Telecommunications Union’s (ITU) Girls in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Day Caribbean Hackathon… more

Lawmaker Wants Cybercrimes Law To Be Reviewed

Jamaica – Opposition spokesman on technology Julian Robinson is urging the Government to review the cyber crimes legislation two years after its passage, noting that key terms in the statute have not been defined… more

Mellos Crest Development Targets Airbnb Market

Jamaica – A new housing develop-ment targeting the burgeoning Airbnb market is in the early phases of development in Discovery Bay, St Ann… more

Montague Says New Software Allowing Police To Better Track Illegal Guns

Jamaica – National Security Minister Robert Montague says the police are now better able to track illegal guns with a new software developed at the Institute of Forensic Sciences and Legal Medicine… more

Revision of Cybercrimes Act to get underway shortly, Wheatley says

Jamaica – Minister of Science, Energy and Technology Dr Andrew Wheatley says the revision of the Cybercrimes Act 2015 is to get underway in another two to three months… more

Security Ministry Developing Drone Policy

Jamaica – National Security Minister, Hon. Robert Montague, says the Ministry is developing a Drone Policy regarding the use and sale of unmanned aerial vehicles… more

IDB launches Code for Development for Caribbean

Regional – The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) has launched a Code for Development as part of its promotional strategy to raise awareness and improve people’s lives in Latin America and the Caribbean… more

Creators Encouraged To Know And Understand Their Rights Under The Intellectual Property Framework

Saint Kitts and Nevis – As St. Kitts and Nevis joins the rest of the world in observing World Intellectual Property Day 2017, which is celebrated annually on April 26, officials from the federation’s Intellectual Property (IP) Office are encouraging creative minds to develop a better understanding of what IP is all about, especially as it relates to their creations… more

Youth Challenge To Tap Into Creative Skills

Saint Kitts and Nevis – Primary school students throughout the federation are encouraged to tap into their creative minds, as their creations can someday yield many benefits… more

Saturday, 29 April 2017

Mobile Number Portability (MNP) is now a reality

Bahamas – The Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority (URCA), is pleased to advise the public that Mobile Number Portability (MNP) is now a reality having been launched yesterday. Scores of consumers in The Bahamas were able to successfully ‘port’ their existing numbers between service providers yesterday morning… more

TOO FEW WOMEN IN ICT

Barbados – THERE is a need for society to change its perceptions of women in ICT fields and in the workplace… more

80% OF CYBERCRIMES IN BELIZE ARE PERPETRATED BY FOREIGNERS

Belize – Cybercrimes have become pervasive, and they pose a threat to people and companies around the globe—even those who deliberately stay away from the social media platforms, where many cybercrimes are perpetrated. According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)… more

Girls Create Innovations to Address Social Issues

Jamaica – Approximately 90 girls and young women from 15 high schools, universities and community colleges across the country competed for attractive prizes at the International Telecommunications Union’s (ITU) Girls in Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Day Caribbean ‘Hackathon’ on Thursday (April 27)… more

TATT explores digital financing services

Trinidad and Tobago – THE Telecommunications Authority (TATT) is embarking on an initiative to improve digital access by assisted technology to people with disabilities and facilitate development of infrastructure in under served communities… more

Sunday, 30 April 2017

Antigua & Barbuda to Accept Bitcoin for Government Services

Antigua and Barbuda – Antigua & Barbuda might go “full bitcoin” and accept the digital currency for government services… more

BUSINESS BYTE: Digicel rolls Quick Pick Plans giving prepaid customers a wealth value

Dominica – n a world where smartphones and data have become second nature, customers are generally faced with multiple data plan options as they try to stay connected. So what are customers looking for to truly enjoy their connected experience? Well according to research it’s simplicity, value and lots of data! … more

Telecommuting – working from home

Jamaica – A workspace for centralised management has existed in some form for centuries… more

US$5,000 Or Else! – Hackers Hijack Data From 16 Jamaican Schools And Demand Ransom

Jamaica – Information belonging to more than 14,000 Jamaican students from 16 local high schools being stored on an online database hosted in the United States is being held hostage by hackers who are demanding US$5,000 to release the data… more