The Spectrum Management Authority (SMA) is a limited liability company wholly owned by the Government of Jamaica, established on March 1, 2000 under section 21 of the Telecommunications Act, 2000 and operational since April 2001. The SMA’s primary mandate is to regulate and manage Jamaica’s radio frequency spectrum, including the establishment of an efficient licensing procedure to facilitate access to the spectrum, and the issuance of certificates of competence, approval certificates, and letters of authorisation for customs purposes.
For the 2026/27 financial year, the SMA will continue to implement strategies aimed at modernising its equipment and systems to respond to evolving technological demands. Key priorities include updating critical operational software and completing the installation of a Cyber Security and Threat Management system; ensuring at least 80% of policy and regulatory amendments are completed within agreed timelines; building organisational capacity through staff development and infrastructure expansion; and strengthening capital resources through the phased completion of key projects, including Cellular Network Analysis, Workflow Optimisation, monitoring system upgrades, renewable energy installations, and the deployment of transportable monitoring sites.
The SMA anticipates the renewal of 443 licences for 2026/27 and forecasts an operating profit of $2.21 million, compared to $5.85 million in the prior financial year.
