Jamaica’s Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Policy

March 2011

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Strategies and Action Plans

The Government of Jamaica’s Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Policy, established in March 2011, outlines a comprehensive framework aimed at leveraging ICT for national development. The policy focuses on enhancing productivity, fostering investment, and creating a knowledge-based society. Below are the key aspects of the policy:

Vision and Mission

Vision:

  • Create a knowledge-based and educated society that is globally competitive and productive.
  • Position Jamaica as a leading ICT hub in the region.

Mission:

  • Achieve social and economic development through increased ICT application in all sectors.
  • Provide affordable ICT services and effectively manage national ICT assets.
  • Enable connectivity over diverse platforms.

Policy Goals

  1. Improved National Productivity:
    • Utilise ICT to enhance efficiency and productivity across sectors.
  2. Increased Local and International Investments:
    • Develop high-capacity ICT infrastructure to attract investments.
  3. Support for All Sectors:
    • Use ICT to support the creation of a knowledge-based society.

Main Principles

  1. ICT as a Developmental Instrument:
    • Use ICT as a key enabler for human, social, and economic development.
  2. Universal Service:
    • Ensure widespread availability and utilisation of ICT.
  3. Technological Neutrality:
    • Adopt a neutral approach in technology selection and regulation.
  4. Competition within the ICT Sector:
    • Promote competition and innovation for the benefit of consumers and service providers.

Key Policy Elements

  1. Legal, Regulatory, Institutional & Administrative Framework:
    • Harmonise and strengthen existing laws.
    • Establish a converged ICT regulatory framework.
    • Promote efficient and transparent administration.
  2. Spectrum Management:
    • Efficiently manage the radio frequency spectrum.
    • Facilitate the deployment of wireless technologies.
    • Ensure equitable allocation of spectrum resources.
  3. Competition Regulation:
    • Promote and protect competition through appropriate legislation.
    • Establish clear jurisdictional boundaries between competition and ICT regulators.
  4. Universal Service:
    • Expand the definition of universal service to include access to information literacy and financial resources.
    • Promote affordable and accessible high-capacity networks.
    • Support the development of local content and information literacy programs.
  5. E-Government:
    • Utilise ICT to enhance transparency, accountability, and citizen engagement.
    • Integrate public services to improve delivery and efficiency.
  6. Consumer Protection:
    • Establish minimum service level standards.
    • Protect consumer privacy and ensure data security.
    • Implement quality of service standards and redress mechanisms.
  7. ICT Infrastructure:
    • Develop high-capacity networks and international connectivity.
    • Promote infrastructure sharing to reduce costs and improve efficiency.
    • Support the development of physical infrastructure for ICT businesses.
  8. Technology, Research, and Innovation:
    • Foster an environment that supports technological innovation.
    • Encourage research and development in ICT.
    • Establish centers of excellence and knowledge networks.
  9. ICT and the Environment:
    • Develop policies for the disposal and recycling of ICT waste.
    • Establish standards for emissions from ICT equipment.
  10. Monitoring and Evaluation:
    • Develop an ICT Implementation Plan for continuous monitoring and evaluation.
    • Review and update the policy every three years to ensure its relevance.

Implementation and Stakeholders

  • Key stakeholders include the Office of the Prime Minister, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce, and various regulatory bodies.
  • Responsibilities range from creating knowledge parks and regulatory frameworks to increasing ICT usage in education and attracting ICT-related investments.

This policy aims to transform Jamaica into a knowledge-based society, enhance national productivity, and position the country as a regional leader in ICT.