Caribbean Issues authority topic

Caribbean Digital Infrastructure & Telecoms

Caribbean-first investigation of telecommunications, broadband, mobile networks, spectrum, data infrastructure, competition, resilience and digital sovereignty.

Editorially reviewed · Updated August 30, 2026

Key answer

Caribbean digital sovereignty depends on affordable and resilient connectivity, transparent licensing, credible competition, secure infrastructure and public evidence that promised networks are actually authorised, financed, built and serving people.

Curated authority pathway

Start here

Begin with the central investigation, then continue into its companion reporting and audio.

Questions this hub answers

How can the public verify a proposed Caribbean telecom network?

Verify the exact operating entity, licence category and status, frequency authorisation, committed financing, commissioned sites, published prices, working customer channel and independent service evidence. An announcement or application is not the same as an operating network.

Evidence: Dominica Telecommunications Act · Dominica Licence Classification Notice · ECTEL

What is the difference between an MVNO and a mobile network operator?

An MVNO sells service over another carrier's radio network and follows the applicable virtual-operator licensing path. A mobile network operator builds or controls radio infrastructure and requires the relevant individual licence and legal authority to use spectrum.

Evidence: Dominica Telecommunications Act · Dominica Licence Classification Notice

What makes Caribbean connectivity resilient and accountable?

Resilience requires geographically appropriate network design, backup power, diverse backhaul, local maintenance and hurricane recovery plans. Accountability requires current public registers, clear ownership, measurable rollout obligations, published service terms and evidence of performance.

Evidence: ECTEL · Grenada NTRC

Analysis and reporting

Podcast episodes

Podcast

A DEEP DIVE INTO THE QUIET AIRLIFT

Dependence on foreign airlines leaves Caribbean economies exposed to route decisions made elsewhere; collective regional bargaining and stronger intra-Caribbean links would reduce that risk.

Read or listen

Sources and documentation

These sources support the hub's direct answers. Individual investigations maintain their own fuller evidence ledgers.

  1. ECTEL — Digital Inclusion Survey 2024Official regional evidence on mobile coverage, technology availability and digital inclusion across ECTEL member states.
  2. Dominica Telecommunications ActThe statutory requirement for telecommunications licensing and frequency authorisation in an ECTEL member state.
  3. Dominica Licence Classification NoticeOfficial distinctions among individual and class licence categories, including public mobile networks and virtual operators.
  4. Grenada NTRC — Individual Licence RegisterA national public record illustrating why licence identity, date, status and operational evidence must be distinguished.