No 5G technology in Jamaica

In a press statement today, the local regulatory body categorically stated “that currently there is no deployment of 5G technology in Jamaica”.

The OUR further stated that both major telecommunication companies in Jamaica – FLOW and Digicel – have yet to indicate such intentions to deploy 5G technology locally.

Said the OUR: “The Office of Utilities Regulation (OUR) notes local comments about the existence of 5G technology (which stands for the fifth generation of mobile communications technologies) in Jamaica, and the rumored connection between that technology and the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19).

“As the regulator of the telecommunications sector, the OUR advises that currently there is no deployment of 5G technology in Jamaica. As well, none of the existing mobile telecommunication providers has advised of any definite plans for the immediate implementation of this technology.”

Since the global outbreak of the coronavirus, there have been numerous theories circulating online linking the fifth generation technology to the deadly and highly infectious respiratory disease which has infected more than two million people worldwide and claimed the lives of over 133,000 individuals.

The reality, however, is that only seven nations have begun implementing 5G technology, with China, and the United States of America, leading the way. But its introduction in each country, even for the US and China, will take at least a decade as it is said to be an expensive venture.

In a February of this year senior executives of Digicel and FLOW participated in a 5G public forum hosted by the Mona School of Business Management where they admitted that a rollout of the appropriate infrastructure will require support from the Jamaican government. Firstly both companies will need to more than triple the amount of transmitters (towers) contends Rohan Pottinger, chief technology officer at Digicel Jamaica, while Stephen Price, country manager, FLOW Jamaica noted that investment in 5G infrastructure worldwide for 2020 is estimated at a staggering $US4.2 billion and that figure is close to doubling in 2021.

Such massive investments required along with general health and security concerns raised suggests the implementation of 5G technology in countries like Jamaica is many, many years away from being realized.

Though it has the potential to facilitate increased productivity, data handling and the support of other new technologies that can connect industries and cities, it comes with other challenges such as frequent disruptions when compared to its predecessor.

However, as proponents for and against 5G technology are yet to put forward compelling arguments either side of the debate, deliberations into the pros and cons of this new technological revolution rages on.

In the meantime, the OUR is urging the public to do their own fact checking before sharing what could be false information.

“The OUR condemns the spread of misrepresentation about the connection between COVID-19 and 5G technology and urges persons to obtain information from credible sources only,” it said.