Where the worldwide
spectrum community meets
Where the worldwide
spectrum community meets
The 3rd Caribbean Spectrum Management Conference.
Across 2 days attendees had the opportunity to be involved in discussions on the key spectrum topics for the Caribbean region and beyond, through interactive sessions, networking opportunities, an exhibition area and much more.
This event is part of The Global Spectrum Series. The world’s largest collection of regional spectrum policy conferences. Click on the images on the right to find out more about the series and to view the photos from 2025.
Launched in 2024, and now in its 2nd year, The Caribbean Spectrum Management Conference has previously taken place in Montego Bay and Port of Spain.
Over 200 delegates joined 2 days of discussions in Port of Spain, Trinidad & Tobago in May 2025. Watch the highlights from the two days below
With its diverse set of nations and territories and its specific geography, the Caribbean region faces unique challenges in harmonising spectrum management policies to avoid cross-border interference, ensure efficiency in resource use and foster a more integrated telecommunications market. This session will assess the progress made in regional spectrum coordination, the challenges faced in achieving harmonisation, and the way forward. We will discuss ongoing work, including updates from the Caribbean Telecommunications Union (CTU) Spectrum Management Taskforce on progress in developing the Caribbean Spectrum Management Policy Framework, and debate whether a fully harmonised framework is feasible given the national differences across the region.
As the Caribbean continues its journey toward 5G deployment, the region faces a unique set of challenges and opportunities. While some countries are making significant progress in rolling out 5G networks, others are still navigating the complexities of spectrum allocation, infrastructure readiness, and investment hurdles. Regulators must find a balance between planning for 5G adoption while still ensuring the optimization of existing 4G networks and other critical connectivity priorities. Beyond securing the necessary spectrum, factors such as financial investment, infrastructure development, site sharing, and fibre integration all play a key role in enabling a successful transition to next-generation connectivity. This discussion will explore the roadmap for 5G in the Caribbean, the business case for investment, and the lessons that can be drawn from global experiences to help shape an effective and sustainable strategy for the region.
The transition from analogue to digital television broadcasting, known as the Digital Switchover (DSO), is still ongoing across the region. And whilst some progress is being seen – countries such as Jamaica, and Trinidad and Tobago have made significant strides in transitioning to digital terrestrial television (DTT) – many others are still in the planning phases, facing technical, regulatory, and financial hurdles. This session will examine the progress and challenges of DSO in the Caribbean, exploring strategies to accelerate and coordinate digital transitions while ensuring a smooth and inclusive process for all stakeholders. It will also consider more broadly the future shape of the UHF spectrum across the region, exploring how it can be best employed to meet evolving needs of current users such as broadcast and Programme-Making and Special Events (PMSE), whilst also accommodating a growing demand from IMT.
The discussion around the 6 GHz band, particularly the upper portion, is at the center of global spectrum policy debates. While some regions have moved toward allocating parts of the band for unlicensed use, others are still assessing the best approach to ensure long-term spectrum efficiency and future connectivity needs. In the Caribbean, the focus is not just on immediate allocation but on establishing a harmonised strategy for the use of the band that ensures flexibility, cross-border coordination, and alignment with global trends. This session will examine how perspectives on the future use of the band are evolving both within the Caribbean and globally. It will discuss the importance of a coordinated regional strategy and explore the most effective approach for the region to enable the long-term value of this key spectrum to be realised.
The digital divide remains a significant challenge in the Caribbean, with many societies and individuals still lacking access to essential digital services. While some progress has been made, large portions of the population remain unconnected, particularly in more remote and economically disadvantaged areas. This session will explore the most effective technologies and solutions, comparing the role of satellite, wireless, and fibre networks in reaching underserved areas. It will also examine how affordability, policy interventions, and Universal Service Funds can be leveraged to enhance accessibility, particularly for low-income populations. By analysing successful regional initiatives and global best practices, the session will highlight actionable steps to achieve universal and affordable connectivity across the Caribbean.
As WRC-27 preparations gain momentum, the Caribbean region must take proactive steps to ensure its priorities are well represented on the global stage. While regional collaboration is already underway, questions remain about how best to coordinate efforts, amplify the Caribbean’s voice, and align with broader spectrum strategies across the Americas. This session will explore how Caribbean nations can work together to maximize their impact at WRC-27, navigate emerging spectrum trends, and ensure the best possible outcomes on key agenda items for the benefit of Caribbean stakeholders everywhere.
As satellite and non-terrestrial networks (NTN) rapidly evolve, regulators across the Caribbean must navigate complex spectrum management, licensing, and policy challenges to support innovation while ensuring fair access and efficient coexistence with existing services. The growing role of LEO, GEO, HAPS, and direct-to-device (D2D) satellite connectivity is transforming global communications, offering new opportunities for remote connectivity, disaster resilience, and broadband expansion. However, as these technologies advance, regulators must address spectrum allocation, licensing frameworks, and the integration of NTN into existing regulatory structures. This session will explore global best practices, assess emerging trends in NTN technologies, and examine how Caribbean policymakers can develop forward-looking frameworks to balance innovation, investment, and equitable access to spectrum.
In Caribbean nations, telecommunications infrastructure faces significant vulnerabilities due to natural disasters. Telecommunications services, including satellite and hybrid networks, play a crucial role in disaster management by facilitating communication, coordination, and intelligence gathering during emergencies. This session will look at current approaches and bands used across the region for PPDR (public protection and disaster relief) networks and the work being done on coordinating across states and fostering closer collaboration. It will look at how the potential role that non-terrestrial services, including direct-to-device connectivity through satellite and HIBS, could help to strengthen network resilience in emergency and disaster relief situations, and more broadly, at how spectrum policy alongside both new and existing technologies can all be brought together to deliver the best possible PPDR communication network and ensure effective disaster response and recovery.
As demand for 4G, 5G, and satellite communications grows across the Caribbean, regulators must ensure that spectrum pricing, licensing, and renewal frameworks are designed to promote investment, competition, and innovation while maintaining fair and efficient access. This masterclass will explore best practices in spectrum licencing and pricing, drawing from regional and international experiences to identify effective strategies for small island states and developing markets. It will also examine how regulators can balance revenue generation with affordability and accessibility, ensuring that pricing structures encourage network expansion and digital inclusion across the region.
The swift advancement of technologies and an ever-increasing demand for spectrum means that regulators and Governments around the world are constantly working to maintain adaptive, flexible, and forward-thinking regulatory frameworks. Establishing future-proof spectrum policies is essential to drive innovation, align with global best practices, and support emerging technologies across both terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks. This session will explore global trends and best practices in spectrum regulation, examining how regulatory frameworks in the Caribbean and worldwide are evolving to meet the connectivity needs of key terrestrial and non-terrestrial technologies. It will look at the progress that has been made in revising spectrum policies in line with WRC-23 outcomes, and with increasing focus on meeting the needs of key vertical users, examine the approaches and bands around the world that are being used to provide a solution to this. By focussing on the situation across the region, as well as looking wider at ongoing initiatives for regional and international knowledge sharing, it will look at the best way forward for Caribbean policymakers to modernize spectrum frameworks to align with evolving technologies while maintaining stability and efficiency.
Final speakers to be confirmed.
Hyatt Regency Trinidad
1 Wrightson Road,
Port of Spain
Trinidad & Tobago
The next edition of the conference is taking place in Port of Spain, Trinidad & Tobago at the Hyatt Regency Trinidad.
If you would like to enquire about our fellowship scheme for the event please contact spectrumcaribbean@forum-global.com.
You can find more information on the Global Spectrum Series here.
This event is taking place as part of the Global Spectrum Series, for further information on speaking, sponsorship or visibility opportunities, and to discuss how you can maximize the value of involvement, please contact Dan Craft on dan.craft@forum-global.com or on +44 (0) 2920 783 020.
For more information on any aspect of this event, please contact Jordan Francombe using any of the following details:
caribbeanspectrum@forum-global.com
Tel: +44 (0) 2920 783 072
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