The Spectrum Management Authority (SMA) was established by the Telecommunications Act, 2000 as a limited liability company wholly owned by the Government of Jamaica. The Authority began operations in April 2001. Prior to this, the spectrum management function in Jamaica was carried out by the Telecommunications Unit within the Post and Telecommunications Department of the Ministry.

VISION
“Create the environment for the radio frequency spectrum to become the preferred medium of communication”

MISSION STATEMENT
“To ensure the efficient management of Jamaica’s radio frequency spectrum in keeping with international best practices and in the interest of social, economic and technological development”

TAG LINE
…..“Shaping your future with wireless”…..

STRATEGIC FOCUS

Given the mandate of the SMA, and the growing demand for spectrum services, the strategic focus adopted by the SMA is to:

Create the framework within which the spectrum will be used in an economically and technically efficient manner, thereby acting as a catalyst for enterprise, innovation and economic growth;
Provide efficient access to the spectrum for new services and technologies, by establishing objective, equitable and transparent operating policies and procedures; and finally,
Provide quality advice to the Government of Jamaica on spectrum policy and regulatory issues.

OBJECTIVES

In executing its mandate, the SMA has established the following objectives:

To conduct the business of the Authority in absolute fairness and consistency, giving equitable consideration to each spectrum user.
To preserve the spectrum rights of all legitimate users of the spectrum;
To utilize an efficient licensing procedure that facilitates easy access to the spectrum;
To ensure that all revenues are collected when due;
To ensure the efficient and optimal allocation of the bandwidth; and
To ensure the maintenance of bandwidth that is free from interference and unauthorized use.

GOVERNANCE

A Board of Directors, the Chairman of which reports to the Minister with Portfolio responsibility for telecommunications, governs the operations of the Authority.

The Board has four (4) Committees which provide guidance and support to the operations of the Authority. These are:

Technical Operations and Industry Affairs;
Finance;
Human Resource; and
Audit.

LEGISLATIVE FRAMEWORK

Prior to the establishment of the SMA, the activities of the Telecommunications Unit within the Post and Telecommunications department were guided by the Radio and Telegraph Control Act (RTC Act) with its respective Regulations.

The Telecommunications Act, 2000 created the SMA. Part IV, Sections 20-26 details the regulation of the spectrum by the Minister and the role of the Authority in advising the Minister on matters related to spectrum management. The SMA is integrally involved in the current Telecommunications Policy Reform; the preparation of a new Act with its relevant regulations being one of the main focus.

In summary, the fundamental role and responsibility of the Authority under the Telecommunications Act is to ensure the efficient use of the radio frequency spectrum. This includes advising the Minister on:
1.   the allocation of the spectrum for various services (frequency allocation chart);
2.   the methods for assigning the spectrum to users;
3.   the issue of licences authorizing the use of specified portions of the spectrum;
4.   institute procedures for ensuring the compliance by licensees with respect to the use of the spectrum.

Section 20 (4) of the Telecommunications Act indicates that the Minister may delegate any of his functions (other than the powers of delegations to the Authority). In keeping with this, the Minister in the Telecommunications (Delegation of Function) Order, 2004 delegated to the Authority the function of the Minister exercisable under Section 20 (2) (c) of the Telecommunications Act in relation to the issue of Spectrum licences save and except VSAT licences.

Consistent with Section 26 of the Telecommunications Act, the Telecommunications (Spectrum Regulatory Fees) Regulations, 2003 issued April 2003 details the mechanism for charging regulatory fees to cover the Authority’s reasonable operating costs.

Home	Go To: -->> Company Overview