JPS invited to offer broadband Internet service

Newly returned Minister of Science, Technology, Energy and Mining, Phillip Paulwell, has called for the Jamaica Public Service (JPS) to enter the broadband Internet market.

Speaking at The Gleaner's North Street offices last Friday, Minister Paulwell elaborated on his "win-win" strategy for the troubled energy sector.

"On the one hand, the mass liberalisation of electrical generation and distribution should see as many as three to four energy companies competing to meet Jamaica's ever-increasing demand for power. This competition, coupled with new cheaper sources of fuel - liquefied natural gas and petroleum coke/coal, should drive down the price of electricity by as much as 40 per cent," said Paulwell.

This, he said, would undoubtedly drive development and increase Jamaica's competitive edge in the market for investments.

similar to flow service

The minister said further that JPS's "Broadband over powerline is a reality", adding that the high-speed Internet service to be offered by the light and power company would not be dissimilar to the one currently provided by Flow Jamaica.

"I want JPS to enter the market," Paulwell said, "to recoup some of the lost revenues due to new competition."

The minister stressed that his government was taking a new, "more removed approach" to developments in the energy sector.

"We are allowing JPS to do what they want to do, but in the context of a liberalised environment." he stressed.

Minister Paulwell said that "the JPS's existing grid could dramatically increase broadband penetration (currently a paltry five per cent), should the company decide to enter the market".

Up to press time, a representative from JPS was not available to comment on the feasibility of expanding its business into the high-speed Internet market.

He expects the price of electricity to fall between 55 per cent and 62 per cent.