A roundup of the latest ICT/technology news from across the Caribbean region for the period Monday 3 July 2017 to Sunday 9 July 2017.
Monday, 3 July 2017
New Network Means New Smartphones
Barbados – Ozone’s Technical Device Expert, Davis Brathwaite, says due to the type of 4G service they offer, older devices such a Nokia 3310 or 5125 wouldn’t function since only more recent units have the correct bandwidth to send and receive data… more
BTB launches new and innovative Virtual Trade Expo
Belize – The Belize Tourism Board (BTB), unveiled it first ever live Virtual Trade Expo at the Best Western Belize Biltmore Plaza Hotel last Thursday, which saw the participation of a host of local travel agents and international buyers… more
Moratorium on the granting of FM radio frequencies
Haiti – The General Directorate of the Executive Body of the National Telecommunications Council (CONATEL) informs the interested parties that due to the saturation of the frequency band allocated to FM broadcasting and harmful radio interference, which interferes in particular with aeronautical communications, the following measures are adopted… more
Estonia helps Jamaica set up its first digital identity
Jamaica – Jamaica wants to establish the first fully-digitised government system in the region with help from digitally-advanced Estonia, it was announced… more
Flow Cautions Customers Against Wangiri Scam
Jamaica – Flow Jamaica said it is aware of the latest phone scam which is targeting telecommunications customers in Jamaica… more
FLOW Monitoring One-Ring Scam
Jamaica – Flow says it is aware of the latest phone scam targeting telecommunications customers in Jamaica… more
Jamaican firm introduces cutting edge technology to regional airports
Jamaica – PRODUCTIVE Business Solutions (PBS), a member of the Jamaican-based Mussons Group, has positioned itself as the region’s leading scanner provider, executing several airport projects in Honduras, Antigua, El Salvador, Dominican Republic, and Jamaica… more
Jamaica postpones rate cuts after Flow complaint
Jamaica – Jamaica’s Office of Utilities Regulation (OUR) has decided to delay a major reduction in termination rates for fixed line calls following a complaint from Flow Jamaica, the local brand of Cable & Wireless Communications… more
OCID Partners With INTERPOL, EUROPOL To Probe Wangiri Or One-Ring Scam
Jamaica – A high level probe has been launched into the Wangiri or one-ring scam that has affected some mobile subscribers to the Digicel network… more
Phone scam hits Jamaica
Jamaica – JAMAICA is the latest country to have been affected by the ‘Wangiri Scam’, which resulted in hundreds of phone customers receiving missed calls from the +48 area code, originating in Poland, over the weekend… more
Marketing Strategies Today: How to build a social media sales funnel for all your company’s needs
Regional – If you have a blog for business there is no way that you do not want to be able to grow your company in a way that is going to move all of your clients through the sales cycle… more
Tuesday, 4 July 2017
BTC introduces Flow Kids
Bahamas – Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) has announced that it plans to launch its brand new app “Flow Kids” this summer… more
E-Commerce Entrepreneur ‘Bridges Out Island Divide’
Bahamas – The founder of a Bahamian e-commerce portal yesterday said he hopes to “bridge the divide” between Family island economies with the launch of an APP that will bring “new school innovation” to the mailboat system… more
Cyber Security For Internet Service Providers
Belize – On this newscast, we’ve told you a lot about cyber security and the efforts of the Public Utilities Commission in raising public awareness… more
GOB and Ashcroft clash in court
Belize – The government of Belize and lawyers representing the Michael Ashcroft are set to face off for another round of battle in the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) over a US $92 million legal cost claim from Ashcroft over the 2015 settlement of the Belize Telemedia Ltd. nationalization… more
App launched to help fight high prices in BVI
British Virgin Islands – In light of the frequent complaints about relatively high cost of goods in the British Virgin Islands (BVI), Jhon Samuel is seeking to empower consumers… more
The state of 4G in Guyana
Guyana – Two years ago, the Government of Guyana announced that it would be allowing both Digicel and the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GT&T) to provide 4G connectivity to subscribers of the respective companies… more
Interpol To Assist Ja With One-Ring Scam
Jamaica – As public interest heightens over the one-ring scam that some cell-phone users were exposed to on the weekend, Jamaican authorities have sought the assistance of international partners to investigate the matter… more
Elie Hanna to lead Ericsson’s business in Mexico, Central America and Caribbean
Regional – Ericsson appoints Elie Hanna as President Ericsson Mexico, Central América & Caribbean, effective June 01, 2017… more
Wednesday, 5 July 2017
ALIV Family Island Expansion Continues
Bahamas – ALIV, The Bahamas’ newest mobile network, is pleased to announce that it will be launching in three more Family Islands before the end of the summer. By the end of August, ALIV will be live in Andros, Bimini and Exuma… more
Bahamas ‘Uniquely Positioned’ On ICT
Bahamas – The Bahamas is “uniquely positioned” to enhance its status as a centre for information and communications technology (ITC), sector regulators said yesterday, adding that their goal was to enhance its economic role… more
BTC launches ‘Roam like you’re home’ campaign
Bahamas – Summer is typically the time for family vacations, and Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) has introduced its new Roam Like You’re Home Independence Day Campaign for all mobile customers… more
BTVI to Offer Online Courses This Fall
Bahamas – This Fall, the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI) will offer new programmes and online courses in the Information Technology (IT) Department… more
URCA to review code for broadcasters
Bahamas – There could be changes to the rules and regulations media houses have to follow as the Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority (URCA) is set to review its current rules for broadcasters, formally known as URCA’s Code of Practice, as well as explore the role social media plays in the current media landscape, said URCA CEO Stephen Bereaux yesterday… more
ICT training centre opens in St James
Barbados – Residents of one St James community will be added to the thousands of Barbadians who have benefitted from information and communication technology (ICT) training right in their communities… more
Cybersecurity 101: 2017 edition
Cayman Islands – You would have to be stuck on an island with no internet connection to not be aware of cybersecurity issues in the news. But just in case, here is a recap of what is noteworthy … more
Ransomware wars
Cayman Islands – It begins much like any other day at the office: you are working away on your computer when you receive an email informing you that an invoice has arrived… more
Sophisticated ransomware attack sends warning to Cayman companies
Cayman Islands – With the Caribbean’s hurricane season under way, businesses have a clear reminder to re-evaluate their storm response and recovery plans… more
Small island marketers go global with digital media
Cayman Islands – In a once-unlikely David and Goliath-type scenario, geographically isolated nations like the Cayman Islands sit poised to take on global marketing giants and shake up the world of digital media… more
CACU wants Digicel to reverse ‘punitive’ prepaid fee
Jamaica – The Consumer Advisory Committee on Utilities (CACU), an independent advocacy group whose operations are facilitated by the Office of Utilities Regulation (OUR), has called on telecommunications company Digicel to reverse its newly implemented prepaid maintenance fee (PMF)… more
J.E.T.S Eyes Mobile Money Space For Expansion
Jamaica – J.E.T.S Limited, operator of the Multilink electronic cash system owned by local banks, is knitting together an interface between the Multilink electronic cash system and mobile money and other e-payment products offered by its shareholders… more
Regional ICT issues to be discussed at CANTO conference Laura Dowrich-Phillips
Regional – Technology and Communications Ministers around the region as well as telecom executives and other ICT experts will gather in Punto Cana, Dominican Republic for CANTO’s 33rd Annual Conference and Trade Exhibition… more
Draft National ICT plan launched
Trinidad and Tobago – The new Draft National ICT plan will soon be available for public consultations… more
Thursday, 6 July 2017
Belize, Cyprus, and Philippines Open 60-Meter Bands
Belize – Radio amateurs in Belize, Cyprus, and the Philippines now have access to contiguous 60-meter bands… more
Belize Telemedia Limited to debut DIGINET in San Pedro Town
Belize – Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL) CEO Rochus Schreiber and his team paid a visit to La Isla Bonita on Friday, June 23rd… more
Consumer Advocacy Group Wants Digicel To Withdraw Maintenance Fee
Jamaica – The Consumer Advisory Committee on Utilities (CACU) is calling for telecommunication company Digicel Jamaica to withdraw the maintenance fee it imposed on prepaid customers… more
bmobile and PAVI promote smartphone accessibility for persons with visual impairment
Trinidad and Tobago – Most people today cannot comprehend life without their devices as more and more daily routines depend on the connection to the world of digital information while “on the go” by way of smartphones and other mobile devices… more
Friday, 7 July 2017
Aliv continues expansion to more Family Islands
Bahamas – Aliv, The Bahamas’ newest mobile network, is pleased to announce that it will be launching in three more Family Islands before the end of the summer. By the end of August, Aliv will be live in Andros, Bimini and Exuma… more
Tasker to take charge of Digicel’s local operations
Barbados – Former Commercial Director Alex Tasker is due to make his return to Digicel (Barbados) Limited as Chief Executive Officer, as Conor Looney, the current CEO, is promoted to the post of Hub Chief Executive Officer for the Irish telecommunications company’s Caribbean and Central American operations… more
Web Shop: Players ‘Gaming The System’
Bahamas – A web shop operator yesterday said it had detected fraud by players ‘gaming the system’, hitting back at accusations it was refusing to pay out winnings… more
Belize Immigration Systems Meet International Standards
Belize – The UN Migration Agency sent out a release this week saying that an important upgrade to Belize’s Border management system is complete… more
Digicel Suspends New Maintenance Fee
Jamaica – The Office of Utilities Regulation (OUR) said telecommunications provider Digicel yesterday advised that it has indefinitely halted the recent levy of a prepaid maintenance fee to customers whose monthly spend is less than J$50… more
Does Digicel Have A Big Data Switch?
Jamaica – THE EDITOR, Sir: I need your help to investigate a problem I had with Digicel over the course of a few weeks. I am a prepaid customer and I normally spend very little on phone credit each month – maybe $500 on average… more
New Digicel prepaid fee ‘indefinitely halted’
Jamaica – The Office of Utilities Regulation (OUR) said it was informed by Digicel yesterday that the recent charge of a prepaid maintenance fee (PMF) to customers whose monthly spend falls below $50 has been “indefinitely halted”… more
Carpif Forum St. Maarten, Internet Forum concluded
Regional – On July 6th, 2017, the last session of the 3rd annual Caribbean Peering Forum, under the theme “Expanding the Caribbean Internet” – took place… more
Cloud Carib expands data centre presence across Caribbean and Latin America
Regional – Cloud Carib has announced plans to build several new data centers, expanding the company’s services across the Caribbean and Latin America… more
Independent tests say FLOW is the leading C’bean network
Regional – International independent benchmark testing agency, P3, says that FLOW customers in at least six markets, including Jamaica, have the best quality network and service levels in the region as measured against competitors… more
Intelsat 35e Launches Successfully
Regional – Intelsat S.A. (NYSE: I), operator of the world’s first Globalized Network and leader in integrated satellite communications, announced the successful launch of the Intelsat 35e satellite, the fourth of the Intelsat EpicNG high throughput satellites… more
TelEm heats up debate at CarPIF conference
Regional – Assuring a fair return for millions of dollars of investment into a brand new island-wide fibre optic network for St. Maarten and the possible sharing of that network with competing carriers was a “hot talking point” at the opening of the Caribbean Peering and Interconnection Forum (CarPIF) Conference at the Sonesta Maho Beach Resort and Casino, Wednesday… more
URCA to host 17th Annual Global Regulators Symposium
Regional – The Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority (URCA), is set to host the 17th Annual Global Symposium for Regulators (GSR-17) organized by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), at the Atlantis Paradise Island Resort, Nassau, from 11 to 14 July 2017, under the theme “Living in a World of Digital Opportunities”… more
Saturday, 8 July 2017
Alex Tasker is Digicel CEO
Barbados – Digicel Barbados today announced the return of Alex Tasker as he becomes the country’s leading communications and entertainment provider’s new Chief Executive Officer… more
Digicel Halts Fee – Telecoms Company Admits Customers Were Not Given Sufficient Notice
Jamaica – Telecommunications provider Digicel has indefinitely halted a controversial levy of a prepaid maintenance fee to customers whose monthly spend is less than $50… more
Gov’t undertakes feasibility study for establishment of technology park
Jamaica – The Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Biojam Industrial Research and Development (BIRD) Global Inc to undertake a feasibility study for the creation of a science and technology park in Jamaica… more
$.6m in cellphones stolen from mall
Trinidad and Tobago – Police probing yesterday’s $600,000 phone heist at Gulf City Mall, La Romaine are investigating whether the suspects had inside help… more
Technology can open doors
Trinidad and Tobago – Minister of Public Administration and Communications Maxie Cuffie says the National Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Plan will bring sustainable jobs and a strengthened economy, where business competitiveness will be at an all time high… more
Sunday, 9 July 2017
Alex Tasker appointed CEO of Digicel Barbados
Barbados – Digicel Barbados today announced the return of Alex Tasker to its business, as he becomes the country’s new Chief Executive Officer, effective 17th July 2017… more
Taxi app Drop eases out of market
Guyana – Mobile application taxi service Drop has decided to pull out of the market as it said operating here is not feasible due to difficulties in encouraging a cultural shift… more
CCTVs to be installed in secondary schools
Jamaica – Education, Youth and Information Minister Senator Ruel Reid says the Government will be installing closed circuit television (CCTV) systems in secondary institutions shortly as part of a programme aimed at improving school safety and security… more
Digital Switchover Sooner Rather Than Later, Says Green – Broadcasting Commission Says 2021 Only An Indicative Date For Change
Jamaica – High costs coupled with the possibility of adopting technology that could become obsolete in quick time are among the factors slowing Jamaica’s plan to complete the analogue/digital switchover… more
TELL Claudienne
Jamaica – Dear Claudienne, I am writing to you regarding an issue that I have with FLOW. My original complaint was tendered on April 6, 2016, but to date (3/3/2017) I have had no response from that company… more
Image credits: Facebook; Wikipedia; BelizeWeb; Bahamas Weekly; Wikipedia
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