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The Spectrum Management Authority, also referred to as SMA or the Authority is an agency of the Ministry of Science, Energy and Technology. It was established in 2000 following the Telecommunications Act, 2000 and became operational in April 2001.

SMA at a Glance

The SMA is a limited liability company wholly owned by the Government of Jamaica, with the Postal Corporation of Jamaica and the Accountant General’s Department having equal share holdings.

Bird’s eye view of Spectrum Management Authority

Spectrum Management Authority is the national regulator for the radio frequency spectrum and, as such, is an advisory body to the Minister of Science, Energy and Technology (MSET) and the regulation of the spectrum under the Telecommunications Act.

In the execution of its mandate, SMA operates within the legislative framework as established by the Telecommunications Act, 2000 and the Radio and Telegraph Control Act, 1973.

The operational principles of the Authority are in accordance with, and fulfills Jamaica’s international commitments to the World Trade Organization‘s (WTO) telecommunication agreement. They are also in accordance with the policy objectives in relation to the liberalisation of the telecommunication as outlined by the Government of Jamaica.

The SMA is guided by the rules and regulations of the International Telecommunications Union (ITU).

SMA Partners

Office of Utilities Regulation (OUR), the Broadcasting Commission, the Fair Trading Commission, and the National Environment & Planning Agency , The Universal Service Fund 

Tagline

Shaping your future with wireless

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

SMA’s Philosophy

Given its mandate, and the growing demand for spectrum services, the SMA identified the following strategic focus and core objectives:

Focus:

  • 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
  • Provide quality advice to the Government of Jamaica on spectrum policy and regulatory issues.

Core 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 utilise an efficient licencing 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
  • To ensure the maintenance of bandwidth that is free from interference and unauthorised use

International Relations

The SMA is a key player in securing Jamaica’s representation within the following regional and international telecommunications bodies:

 

SMA Partners