WILLEMSTAD - The Caribbean’s transition to a gigabit society, defined by widespread high-speed internet connectivity of 1 gigabit per second (Gbps), requires an investment of upwards of USD 9 billion, according to Lisa Agard, Chair of CANTO’s C9 committee. Speaking on the second day of CANTO’s 41st Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the Renaissance Wind Creek Curaçao Resort, Agard highlighted the urgent need for infrastructural upgrades to bridge the region’s digital divide. 

Agard emphasized the strong correlation between internet connectivity and economic development, noting that the Caribbean lags 15-20 points behind Europe and the USA on the International Telecommunications Union’s (ITU) ICT Development Index (IDI). She gave the more than 300 delegates some key statistics:  

Connectivity Gaps and Their Impact 

Close to 15 million people across the region, including Haiti, lack mobile connectivity.4.6 million households remain without any form of internet access, whether mobile or broadband. Digital exclusion impedes workforce upskilling, entrepreneurship, and business competitiveness. Establishing smart communities is at risk due to inadequate digital infrastructure. 

Lisa Agard, Chair CANTO C9 Committee 

Investment Challenges and OTT Impact 

Despite annual infrastructure investments exceeding USD 500 million since 2017, regional telecom operators struggle to see returns. Agard highlighted that 70% of network data traffic is consumed by Over-the-Top (OTT) services, which do not contribute to network deployment or maintenance. With regional data traffic across regional networks set to grow by twenty-six percent (26%), requiring infrastructure upgrades five times what now exists, Agard says regional governments must do all it takes to secure the funding for the necessary upgrades if the region is to realize its goals of universal connectivity and digital transformation in a 5G and ultra-fast internet connectivity world. The investment needed to achieve gigabit society status includes: 

•       USD 3.45 billion for mobile network upgrades. 

•       USD 5.8 to USD 10.8 billion for fibre-based broadband connectivity. 

A Call to Action for CARICOMAs CARICOM Heads of Government prepare to meet in February 2025, Agard urged regional policymakers to take decisive action in securing the Caribbean’s digital future. Key priorities include: 

Requiring systemic traffic generators (OTTs) to contribute to broadband infrastructure investment; and 

Harmonizing regulatory frameworks to create a unified Caribbean ICT space. “The Caribbean’s digital transformation cannot wait,” Agard stated. “We must make bold, strategic decisions to ensure universal, high-speed connectivity for economic growth and social development.”