Commission Releases Its Spectrum Decision Allowing for 4G Service On Island

Turks & Caicos News - February 2013

Commission Releases Its Spectrum Decision Allowing for 4G Service On Island

The Turks and Caicos Islands Telecommunications Commission announced the assignment of licenses in the 700MHz spectrum to Digicel and Islandcom, making way for the introduction of 4G LTE connections on island.

Both Digicel and Islandcom were awarded with separate prime blocks of the 700MHz spectrum, which is ideal for 4G communication speeds, by the Commission on Feb. 20. The blocks were licensed out under certain conditions including; 4G LTE mobile broadband services using the 700 MHz spectrum must be available within 18 months and within 36 months, 98 percent of the TCI’s population must have available coverage.

Digicel, in return for being rewarded with its preferred block, has agreed to ensure that 75 percent of the population will have coverage within 18 months and that they will reach the 98 percent goal in 30 months as opposed to 36 months. They also committed to a number of additional public benefits.

Digicel also says it will offer free 4G LTE based internet connectivity to all public/government primary and secondary schools along with community colleges. They will also offer a subsidized 4G LTE device and data bundle for students and teachers as well as install one digital classroom with equipment and training for every public school and on per each campus of the community college.

With the assignment of these licenses the TCI will be one of the first jurisdictions in the Caribbean to roll out the 4G LTE mobile broadband services.

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Written by Turks & Caicos Free Press Newspaper, February 23, 2013.