Caribbean Roundup: Jamaican MVNOs, St. Lucia broadband, Indotel

Jamaica wants to add up to 12 mobile virtual network operators (MVNO) to its mobile market, to increase the level of competition and options for consumers.

The country's Office of Utility Regulations (OUR) is planning to auction 12 new concessions aimed at MVNOs, as reported by the Jamaica Gleaner. This will be the second time the regulator has tried to add MVNOs to the market after a failed attempt in 2007.

OUR also has the intention of drafting a regulatory framework for MVNOs, as outlined in its corporate plan for 2015-2018.

***

St. Lucia's government wants to increase broadband access for the country's schools, as part of its education program which includes providing every student with a laptop.

Education minister Robert Lewis said that the ministry's five-year plan includes an US$1.1mn investment to bring internet to every school.

"We need increased broadband and Wi-Fi access at our schools with so many students having laptops," he told St. Lucia News. "We also need more teachers to be trained in the new technology."

Over US$130,000 is allocated in this year's budget for teacher training in Information and Communications Technology.

***

Dominican telecom regulator Indotel has expressed its commitment to create a national internet governance plan in the country.

Gedeón Santos, president of the regulator, was quoted by Almomento.net as saying that the first step will be to open the way for public consultation to define a rights and principles charter to make the internet a right for every Dominican.