Jamaica Date: December 2 4, 2014
Population 2.711 million (Source OUR) Enjoys high mobile penetration rate over 110% and enjoys a mix of services including 2G, 3G and 4G data services. Ranked 97th on ITU IDI. Enjoys low broadband penetration of 4.13/100 in 2009 (Source ITU).
Regulatory Agencies Associated with C &I: Spectrum Management Authority SMA Office of Utilities Regulations OUR Bureau of Standards Jamaica BSJ Jamaica National Assoc. for Accreditation
Under the OUR ACT Section 5 The Office may by order published in the Gazette a) Prescribe the unit of measurement and the type of measuring device to be used by an approved organizations in relation to utility services; b) Prescribed standards for the measurement of quantity, quality, pressure, initial voltage or other condition relating to utility services ; c) Provide for the inspection and testing of any utility services or any equipment or measuring device used in connection therewith; d) Prescribed minimum standard of quality and accuracy in relation to any equipment used or commodity supplied by an approved organization in connection with utility service...
The Spectrum Management Authority is an agency of the Ministry of Science, Technology, Energy and Mining (MSTEM), and is mandated to regulate the radio frequency spectrum on behalf of the Government of Jamaica, this include certifying devices that transmit or receive radio signals for operation in Jamaica.
The Telecommunications Act (2000) created the SMA. Part IV, Sections 20 26details the regulation of the spectrum by the Minister and the role of the Authority in advising the Minister on matters related to spectrum management
The Standards ACT Section 6. The Bureau shall promote and encourage the maintenance of standardization in relation to commodities, processes and practices and shall exercise such other function as maybe prescribed; And for these purposes the Bureau shall have the power.. c) To provide for the registration and use of standard marks; d) To provide for the examination testing and calibration of instruments appliances and apparatus in relation to the accuracy thereof;
Testing is offered in the following areas: Mechanical Engineering Chemistry Civil Engineering Electrical/Electronic Non Metallic/ Furniture Microbiology
MISSION I The mission of the JANAAC is to support the effective development of the Jamaican economy by providing conformity assessment bodies with internationally recognised training and accreditation services through teamwork, highly committed, competent employees
. Type approval of radio communication equipment is the authorization of equipment which has never been granted a licence for manufacturing or importation, by verifying the compliance of the equipment against the standards which have been adopted by our Administration. It ensures that the equipment from various manufacturers conform to appropriate standards and principles of product safety and will not interfere with other equipment or networks. It is mandatory to obtain type approval for all radio equipment intended for use in Jamaica.
Radio and Telegraph Control Act (RTCA), section 8(1)b) states that the Minister may make regulations prescribing the minimum performance specifications for equipment which may be used in each class of station, with particular reference to the power output, necessary bandwidth, frequency stability and spurious emissions, and prohibiting the manufacture and importation of radio transmitters and radiomicrophones which do not conform to the technical specifications prescribed in respect of such radio apparatus.
To date, the Minister has not prescribed such Regulations. The SMA has, however, developed procedures to ensures that the equipment from various manufacturers conform to appropriate standards and principles of product safety and will not interfere with other equipment or networks within Jamaica and its territorial waters. These procedures accord with the SOLAS Convention and the Radio Regulations.
Radio communication equipment used in land (fixed and mobile), maritime mobile, aeronautical mobile and amateur services requires type approval.
Type approval for Radio Communication equipment in Jamaica is done by recognition of type approval test reports which are prepared according to international standards. In country testing is not required.
Radio Standard: Jamaica recognizes the international standards set by the following bodies: FCC: Federal Communications Commission (USA) ANSI: American National Standards Institute ETSI: European Telecommunications Standardization Institute ITU: International Telecommunications Union
Electromagnetic Compatability (EMC) Standard: Radio communication equipment should adhere to EMC standard in accordance with international standards. Electrical Safety Standard: Radio communication equipment should adhere to Electrical Safety standard in accordance with international standards.
Manufacturers seeking to export type approved devices to Jamaica should label the documentation as set out below to avoid delays and/or seizure of equipment by Customs Officers: This product has been Type Approved by Jamaica: SMA Equipment Identifier. This product contains a Type Approved Module by Jamaica: SMA Equipment Identifier.
A listing of approved devices is made available to the Jamaica Customs which can detain and seize devices that have not be authorized or for operators that do not have the requisite licence to operate the device. A designated Inspector pursuant to the RTCA. May at any reasonable time enter any premises, vehicle, vessel or aircraft where he reasonably believes any radio station or apparatus may be found, for the purpose of making such inspection or examination as in his opinion may assist in the enforcement of the provisions of this Act, and may seize and detain for such time as may be prescribed and subject to such conditions as may be prescribed, any article by means of or in relation to which he reasonably believes any provision of this Act has been contravened
Market surveillance is limited Entry verifications at the Ports inconsistent Sensitization and awareness of the requirement by the stakeholders
Strengthening of the legislative framework to greater define the C & I programme Establishment of Regional MRA Accreditation of Regional Laboratories for EMC, Safety etc. testing
Thank You