Thousands of Flow customers could begin experiencing significantly faster mobile Internet today following Thursday’s launch of Jamaica’s first 5G network, the result of more than US$74 million in spending on network upgrades and spectrum acquisition.

While the service already reaches about 70 per cent of Flow customers some will need to upgrade their subscriber identity module (SIM) cards, or devices before they can connect.

The telecommunications provider officially switched on its 5G network during a launch event at its Corporate Area headquarters, ushering Jamaica into a new era of mobile connectivity.

While Flow says approximately 70 per cent of the population is already covered by the new network, access will initially be limited to customers whose phones and SIM cards are compatible with the technology.

According to Flow Head of Marketing Latoy Lawrence, a sizeable number of subscribers are already positioned to benefit.

“Right now, based on the data that we have, approximately 25 per cent of our customers already meet these two requirements, which means that they’re already ready, they were waiting on 5G, and everyone else, we will be focusing on helping them make the transition as easy as possible,” Lawrence said.

The disclosure means that while Jamaica has now entered the 5G era, most Flow customers will still need to take steps before they can connect to the faster network.

To speed up the transition, Lawrence announced that the company is offering free SIM card upgrades at its 15 company-owned stores across the island. Customers switching from older non-LTE SIM cards will also receive bonus data, while postpaid users will qualify for discounts on upcoming bills.

Vice-president and general manager at Flow Jamaica Stephen Price (left) poses with Telecommunications Minister Daryl Vaz at Thursday’s launch of Jamaica’s first 5G mobile network at Flow’s Kingston headquarters. The company says the new service already covers about 70 per cent of the population and represents more than US$74 million in network and spectrum investment. (Photo: Naphtali Junior)

Lawrence said the company wants to eliminate as many barriers as possible.

The company is also preparing to expand its range of 5G-compatible smartphones and introduce payment plans aimed at making devices more affordable.

The emphasis on customer readiness reflects a challenge that has accompanied 5G roll-outs around the world. While operators can invest heavily in infrastructure, widespread adoption depends on consumers having compatible handsets and SIM cards.

Lawrence acknowledged that some customers may already own 5G-capable phones without realising they are unable to connect because their SIM cards have not been upgraded.

“We’re asking you to check your settings so you can know if your phone is 5G compatible. In the coming weeks, we’ll also be significantly expanding our range of competitively priced devices available in our stores and customers will be able to access 5G devices at discounted prices, payment plans, so some customers will be able to pay for their phone over time, 12 months, 24 months, your choice, and special rewards for new customers,” she said.

However, for Flow, Thursday’s launch was about more than giving customers faster download speeds.

The company has spent big bucks on the project, including more than US$50 million in mobile network upgrades and more than US$24 million in spectrum acquisition. The investment follows months of modernisation work carried out across the network.

Speaking at the launch, Flow Vice-President and General Manager Stephen Price argued that the technology could help position Jamaica for its next phase of economic and digital development.

Binary data flowing through 5G wireless connection.

“We have seen the growing ambition across our Government, businesses, entrepreneurs, and young innovators who want to build, create, and compete globally. This morning, I’m proud to share that the global 5G infrastructure supports these ambitions, supporting smart operations and innovation across various industries,” said Price.

He added that the network extends beyond speed improvements and includes technologies designed to improve call quality and reliability, including Voice over Wi-Fi, Voice over LTE and additional back-up systems at mobile sites.

According to Price, Flow sees the roll-out as a national development initiative rather than simply a telecommunications upgrade.

“We have the technology. We have the people. We have the talent. And we are at this intersection of all these three things which will augur well for the future of Jamaica… 5G is a game-changer for businesses and ordinary citizens in Jamaica and we are deeply committed to enabling this future,” he said.

The launch was welcomed by Telecommunications Minister Daryl Vaz, who described the development as a major step in Jamaica’s digital transformation agenda.

“The roll-out of 5G marks a pivotal point where that vision takes concrete form. The Government has made digital transformation a top priority. We have introduced digital IDs, streamlined government processes, and explored emerging technologies to ensure Jamaica benefits from modern infrastructure,” he said.

Vaz said the technology could create opportunities across education, health care, entrepreneurship and public services, while helping to drive innovation and economic growth.

Flow’s 5G network is already available in Kingston, Portmore, Spanish Town, May Pen and communities along the North Coast. The company says Mandeville, Santa Cruz, Black River, Savanna-la-Mar, Bull Bay and Morant Bay are expected to be added before the end of June.