KINGSTON, Jamaica – Government has granted a mobile spectrum licence to Symbiote Investments Limited.

Approval was granted by Cabinet for the licence and a payment schedule with terms agreed by all parties involved, on Monday. The new company will pay the total spectrum price of US$20,833,332, according to a statement from the ministry of science, energy and technology on Friday .

This is the third licence for the provision of mobile telecommunications services issued in the island. One year ago, Symbiote was granted a Mobile Carrier Licence and now with the approval of its Spectrum Licence, this move is expected to increase competition in a market dominated by two other entities, Cable and Wireless Communications and Digicel.

Minister of Science, Energy and Technology Dr Andrew Wheatley said that the new company’s entry in the market will translate into more choices and affordable packages for the public.

“It is a win/win for the customer. In light of the recent developments in the industry, we once again welcome tripartite competition to the mobile telecoms sector,”Wheatley said.