Frequently Asked Questions

	QUESTION	ANSWER
1	Where can I get application forms for SMA?	Application forms for various SMA services can be downloaded from this website or collected from the SMA office.
2	Where is the available Spectrum for the type of services contemplated?	Applicants may identify the available frequencies for a particular service by referring to the Table of Frequency Allocation and corresponding Allocation Chart (obtainable from the SMA) or consulting with a member of the SMA Engineering staff.
3	What is the Licensing Process?	Identifying the spectrum (see response above). Submitting a completed Application Form for License required. Undergoing security clearance/checks by the SMA. Evaluation of frequency to be assigned. Recommendation for the grant of the licence. Or If clarification is needed regarding any aspect of an Applicant's Application, the Applicant will be contacted in respect of resolving same before the SMA will deem it fit to issue the respective license. Approval of License by Min. of Industry, Commerce & Technology. Issuing of licence if all stipulated conditions have been satisfied (including payment of licence fees).
4	What are the fees involved?	There are 3 types of fees: Processing fees are payable in advance. Spectrum Licence fee Regulatory fee (Schedule of Spectrum/Regulatory fees may be obtained from the SMA.)
5	What taxes if any are payable and the relevant Customs Procedure?	Custom Duties for import clearance. Carry-on Radio Frequency equipment attracts a Detention Notice for which SMA is required to give approval for entering into Jamaica. Once this approval has been obtained, the client proceeds to pay applicable duty (if any). If the goods are unaccompanied or of high Cost Insurance Freight (CIF), a Custom Entry has to be completed and sent to SMA for appropriate approval for entry and use in Jamaica. Following approval, the client returns to Custom House to pay applicable duty.
6	What constitutes the Application Form?	Application Forms are self-explanatory & may be obtained from the SMA.
7	Please advise me on the suitability of my equipment for use in my operations.	This will be determined by analyzing equipment documentation presented and subject to provisions of exemption under the Radio and Telegraph Control Act
8	Can a License be issued to a Foreigner or is there a requirement for a local Joint-Venture/Partnership?	Under the new World Trade Organization (WTO) Agreement, foreigners may obtain a licence without restriction. However, the Applicant may wish to explore the benefits of a Joint-Venture/Partnership with local interest.
9	What information is required for submission by applicants?	Companies Only. Articles of Association Memorandum of Association Company's Certificate of Registration Business Proposal Company profile Employment profile Financial statement All applicants (including Companies) Technical Proposal System overview Configuration of system Interference studies and mitigation processes Propagation studies System Information Network data Equipment type and model Equipment specification Area of spectrum interest Amount of spectrum required Maximum system data rate Applicants Bio Data (to facilitate security clearance) Nature of Service Type of service deployment - Regional or Islandwide. Proposed build-out of network Completed Application Form
10	Which locations or properties can be leased or purchased for the installation of towers?	The SMA may make suggestions in this regard as it does not maintain or have access to a database with Telecom sites.
11	Can information be obtained on users in a particular band and who are the users within the Band?	Information may be provided on users in a band. Frequency for some assignments may be classified. .

Frequently Asked Questions

Application Forms Fees Regulations / Acts Frequency Chart FAQs Technical Terms