Caribbean Countries Moving Toward Joint Spectrum Management

Countries of the eastern Caribbean are working together to promote more efficient use of their wireless communications frequencies, for greater social good. A new agreement has been drafted to minimize cross-border interference between countries of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) and the Caribbean French territories of Guadeloupe and Martinique. The new agreement will aid in the roll-out of nationwide 4G mobile broadband telecommunications networks.

The draft agreement was developed at a recent workshop on spectrum management, hosted by the Caribbean Telecommunications Union (CTU) at the Radisson Grenada last month.

The workshop formed part of a Harmonised Caribbean Spectrum Planning and Management Project that aims to bring the spectrum policies of various Caribbean countries into closer synchronisation.

Participating countries are working together to develop a national frequency allocation table (NFAT) for each country and a regional frequency allocation table (RFAT) for the Caribbean. Among other things, the RFAT will facilitate the adoption of common frequencies and international protocols for disaster management and emergency telecommunications.

Countries are also working to produce a regional strategic plan for spectrum management.

The workshop was intended to build capacity in spectrum management in 14 Caribbean countries, including the OECS, as well as examine approaches for minimizing cross border intereference in wireless communications. It attracted a wide range of stakeholders, including academia, regulators, policy makers, operators and international subject matter experts.

The spectrum harmonisation project is being implemented by the CTU, with technical cooperation support from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and Compete Caribbean.

LACNIC Caribbean on the Move kickstarts in Suriname

An upcoming workshop will give the Caribbean and Latin American Internet community a valuable opportunity to better understand the complex workings of the global Internet. Hosted by the Latin American and Caribbean Internet Addresses Registry (LACNIC), the workshop will give operators, service providers, regulators, entrepreneurs, students an opportunity to learn more about the latest technology and telecommunications related issues being addressed in the region.

Called LACNIC Caribbean on the Move, the event forms part of an upcoming technology summit held at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Paramaribo on July 3 to 4.

"LACNIC would also like to listen closely to the interests and concerns of the Surinamese Internet community, to ensure that we always remain accessible to members and clients of all kinds," said Kevon Swift, LACNIC External Relations Officer for the Caribbean.

Established in Uruguay in 2002, LACNIC is one of the five regional Internet registries that exist worldwide. It is an international non-government organisation responsible primarily for managing Internet numbering resources for Latin America and the Caribbean.

LACNIC Caribbean on the Move is a series of events through which the registry raises awareness of important issues, and listens to the community's experiences in fostering open, stable and secure Internet development.

Including all stakeholders in the wider Latin American and Caribbean region is an important part of LACNIC’s mission, which is to ensure that the regional Internet serves our social, economic and cultural development.

The upcoming event also provides an opportunity to learn more about LACNIC’s work within Latin America and the Caribbean.

Attending LACNIC Caribbean on the move is free, but space is limited so pre-registration is required. Event and registration information are available at LACNIC's official website.

Originally published: Trinidad and Tobago Guardian

Grenada Government Gives Hands-On Help To Grant-Funding Applicants

ST GEORGE’S, Grenada—Technology-enabled businesses applying for government funding will get a helping hand this month. A series of workshops in June, hosted by the Grenada government, will help businesses to apply for funding under the World Bank-funded Caribbean Regional Communications Infrastructure Program, more commonly known as CARCIP.

Sessions will help local ICT or ICT-enabled businesses and startups to prepare the grant fund application form. 

Click to download a copy of the form.

The Ministry of Communications, Works, Physical Development, Public Utilities, ICT & Community Development is hosting the workshops throughout Grenada, from June 15-24.

DATE	TIME	LOCATION
15/6/2015	3:00 – 6:00 pm	Gouyave, St. John’s	St. Johns Anglican Primary School
16/6/2015	3:00 – 6:00pm	Sauteurs, St. Patrick’s	Mac Donalds College Secondary School
17/6/2015	3:00 – 6:00 pm	Tanteen , St. George	TAMCC, Teacher Education Department
23/6/2015	3:00 – 6:00 pm	Grenville, St. Andrews	St. Andrews Methodist School
24/6/2015	3:00 – 6:00 pm	Hillsborough Carriacou	The Resource Centre

The ministry launched the business grants at a recent CARCIP Awareness Day.

For more details, contact the CARCIP office at (473) 440 -7011 or Incubator@gov.gd.

Or visit the official CARCIP Grenada and StartUp Grenada websites.