Government will within days begin licensing a new band of airway for cell phone operators wishing to offer higher internet speeds on mobile phones via 3rd generation technology (3G).

Mobile users won't know its happening but the government will essentially license a section of air for 15 years to providers. "We are about to deploy 2.5 gigahertz (GHz) band which is reserved for 3G services," said Danville Davidson, acting managing director Spectrum Management Authority (SMA). "We are currently in the process of reviewing the cost and fees and it may take another week."

The fee is part of a US$150,000 deposit according to the SMA which monitors the nation's spectrum. That fee itself is currently under review.

"Applicants will be required to pay an intention to bid deposit of US$150,000. The Intention to Bid deposit is the commitment from the applicant to pay at least the reserve price for the licence as specified and to participate in the first round of the auction. Failure to meet these obligations may result in the forfeiture of the intention to bid deposit, at the sole discretion of the Authority," said the SMA on the licence.

That amount was determined in part by comparing recent 2.5 GHz spectrum auctions in Sweden and Norway. The Norway auction raised some US$42 million or about US$221,052 per megahertz (MHz) (US$0.047 per capita). The Swedish auction raised some euro226 million or about US$1.86M per MHz (US$0.20 per capita).
3G will allow Jamaicans' phones to have futuristic Japanese- type capabilities.

The 2.5GHz band was already utilised for subscriber TV, via cable provider Flow. However, the band was not yet divested for mobile services. Davidson added that cell providers can offer 3G services without the 2.5GHz band, however, that band is favoured as it offers the best coverage. Currently, mobile operator Claro operates its new 3G service outside of the 3G band.

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