Key Points:

Telecom operators are ramping up investment to rebuild and strengthen networks after Hurricane Melissa, including Digicel’s US$10 million push to improve fibre resilience.

Despite progress, regulatory delays and permitting bottlenecks are slowing infrastructure expansion and limiting how quickly networks can be upgraded.

The sector is shifting toward more resilient systems with redundancy and backup solutions, as vulnerabilities exposed by the storm highlight risks to the wider economy.

TELECOMMUNICATIONS providers are accelerating investments to rebuild and strengthen Jamaica’s digital infrastructure following widespread damage from Hurricane Melissa, but operators say policy bottlenecks are slowing the pace of expansion and resilience upgrades.

Operators reported that as much as 70 per cent of the mobile network was knocked offline in the immediate aftermath of the Category 5 storm, underscoring the vulnerability of critical communications systems during extreme weather events.

Digicel CEO Stephen Murad said the company has since moved aggressively to restore and reinforce its network, including a US$10-million investment to rebuild its fibre backbone and reduce reliance on single transmission routes.

“We had 70 per cent of the mobile network offline on day one and within three and a bit months we brought virtually all of that — 98 per cent — back online,” Murad said, noting that the rebuilding effort is now focused on creating a more resilient system.

The company has begun constructing a fibre ring around the island, linking major population and economic centres, while also expanding underground infrastructure in critical corridors to reduce exposure to storm damage.

Murad said the approach is aimed at ensuring redundancy in the network, allowing services to remain operational even if one segment is disrupted.

At the same time, operators are incorporating satellite technology and other back-up systems into their networks, although Murad noted that these remain complementary rather than primary solutions.

“Satellite is not a substitute for fibre, but it’s part of the mix in keeping people connected during emergencies,” he said.

However, even as companies ramp up investment, industry players say regulatory and policy constraints are limiting how quickly networks can be expanded.

Flow Senior Manager for Government and Regulatory Affairs Charles Douglas said delays in securing permits and approvals for infrastructure projects are a major bottleneck, often preventing companies from executing planned investments.

“You can have a capital plan for the year, but if you can’t get approvals to build sites, that investment is delayed or lost,” Douglas said, pointing to challenges in obtaining permits for towers and other network infrastructure.

He said the issue is compounded by broader structural challenges, including flat industry revenues and rising costs, which make it more difficult for telecom operators to sustain the level of investment required to build resilient networks.

“The money is not the issue globally — but the framework has to support investment and allow companies to generate returns,” Douglas said.

Industry estimates suggest that between US$9 billion and US$14 billion in investment is needed across the Caribbean to build out more advanced and resilient digital infrastructure.

Douglas also pointed to the need for clearer policy frameworks around emerging technologies such as satellite connectivity, which played a critical role in maintaining communication during the storm but currently lacks a formal regulatory structure.

The sector is also grappling with vulnerabilities beyond natural disasters, including vandalism and theft of network equipment, which operators say continue to undermine resilience efforts.

Despite the challenges, telecom providers say the rebuilding process presents an opportunity to redesign networks with greater redundancy, flexibility and capacity to support Jamaica’s digital economy.

The sector plays a critical role in supporting financial services, tourism, education and business process outsourcing, making network resilience a central issue for the wider economy.

Murad said the lessons from Hurricane Melissa have reinforced the need for coordinated investment and stronger collaboration across utilities and government.

“What we have to do now is build differently,” he said. “Not just restore what was there, but build a network that can withstand what’s coming.”