Flow Jamaica ups the ante with extended 5G service

Flow Jamaica has launched its 5G mobile network services, a significant leap forward in telecommunications operations in the country.

This latest move by Flow Jamaica, which is a part of Liberty Caribbean, gives it a competitive edge by delivering quicker, more dynamic state-of-the-art service to Jamaicans.

5G is the fifth generation of cellular network technology designed to deliver significantly faster speeds, ultra-low latency and greater capacity than 4G. It operates across a wider spectrum of frequencies to transform consumer mobile experiences and enable advanced industrial smart-city applications.

Flow customers will now have massive connectivity as well as data speeds not previously seen in Jamaica.

Speaking at the launch event held at Flow’s HQ in Kingston earlier today, Flow Jamaica’s General Manager Stephen Price said: “This is more than the next step in network evolution-it is a bold statement of our leadership and long-term commitment to Jamaica. We are delivering a next-generation network designed to power innovation, expand access, strengthen resilience and enhance Jamaica’s competitiveness in an increasingly digital economy.”

“Jamaica’s fastest network is now 5G. We are the first telecommunications provider in Jamaica to deliver expansive next-generation mobile capabilities right across the country. This moment has been a long time in the making and reflects months of intense work, resilience and a collective belief in what we are building together.”

As it currently stands, 70 per cent of Jamaica is now able to access Flow’s 5G network (Kingston, Portmore, Spanish Town, May Pen and communities along the North Coast).

It is the most advanced mobile network ever built in Jamaica. Flow will now be bringing its 5G service to Mandeville, Santa Cruz, Black River, Sav-la-Mar, Bull Bay and Morant Bay, rolling it out between now and the end of this month.

Price continued: “This is not just a faster network; it’s a stronger network featuring Voice over WiFi and improved indoor and roaming connectivity. Calls will be clearer. Increased resilience with satelite and power back-up on over 60 per cent of our mobile sites. You saw our resilence during the unfortunate islandwide electricity outage last week. We stood up quite well through that. Jamaica can now lead the region in the next phase of digital transformation.”

Liberty Caribbean has made a significant investment of US$80 million in this 5G mobile service including sums for spectrum.

Senior Director of Liberty Caribbean, Business, Charles Manus made it clear this now allows organisations and businesses to operate more efficiently and compete more effectively.

Manus declared: “5G  is an enabler of new ways of working, new ways of competing and new ways of growing. From remote monitoring and real-time inventory management to vehicle tracking, telemedicine and faster, more secure financial transactions, this technology will empower Jamaican businesses of all sizes to innovate and thrive in a digital-first economy.”

Flow Jamaica’s Head of Marketing, Latoy Lawrence, announced that Jamaicans can now purchase 5G SIM cards and devices from its stores.

“Customers will now need two things to connect to our new 5G service: one, a 5G-compatible device and two, a 5G mobile SIM card. Based on the data we have, approximately 25 per cent of our customers meet this requirement. We are offering free 5G SIM card upgrades free of cost in all our stores right across the island. If you are not sure whether you need a SIM upgrade, get in touch with us. Customers who made the LTE SIM switch will also receive bonus data and post-paid customers will get a discount on their next bill.

“Some of the devices will come from the United States, some from our stores. We are asking people to check their settings to see if their device is 5G compatible. In the coming weeks, we will be rolling out our competitively priced devices at discounted prices with a payment plan. We are making it easy for you to make the switch to Flow’s 5G network.

“Flow continues to be Jamaica’s fastest and most innovative network as a result of continuous investment.”

Minister of Energy, Telecommunications and Transport, Daryl Vaz, has continually called for a more competitive telecommunications sector in the country, which will be to the benefit of Jamaicans. He welcomed this transformative news from Flow.

“For businesses and entrepreneurs, ultra-fast connectivity will drive innovation and efficiency. Lower-latency networks will enable new services such as internet solutions, cloud applications with 5G services, allowing businesses to grow.

“I urge Flow to ensure the benefits of 5G reach all Jamaicans. We applaud Flow for its substantial investment in our telecoms infrastructure and for introducing cutting-edge technology. I didn’t expect Flow to roll out 5G in such short order, with the process taking nine months in all. In business, your word is your bond, and in this case, the word has been Flow’s bond. Flow’s introduction of 5G is a national development moment. Why? Because this is more than a faster network, it is the foundation for a smarter economy and a more connected society.”