industry leaders push for 5G, Fiber, and a Unified ICT Framework
Speaking at the CANTO gathering in Curaçao, Damian Blackburn, President of International Operations at One Communications, underscored the urgent need for regional collaboration to achieve the vision of a “Caribbean Gigabit Society” by 2030. In his keynote address, Blackburn emphasised that unity among industry stakeholders is the key to success, invoking the African proverb: “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”
Acknowledging CANTO’s decades-long commitment to advocacy, capacity building, and digital transformation across the region, Blackburn noted that One Communications and its parent company, ATN International, have maintained deep ties with the organisation for over 20 years. He credited CANTO with providing a vital platform for fostering innovation, knowledge-sharing, and regulatory support to advance the Caribbean’s telecommunications landscape.
Blackburn highlighted the collaborative efforts behind the CARICOM Working Group’s 2024 report, Towards a Caribbean Gigabit Society 2030, which outlines a transformative roadmap to create a digitally integrated, globally competitive region. The plan aims to expand high-speed connectivity through 5G networks and Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH), ensuring universal internet access with speeds starting at 100 Mbps, scalable to 1 Gbps.
The report identifies three key pillars essential for achieving this vision: 5G and FTTH Coverage Targets – Establishing clear, measurable infrastructure deployment goals; Addressing the Funding Gap – Advocating for financial contributions from major Big Tech Over-The-Top (OTT) providers to support broadband expansion; and Regulatory Harmonisation – Developing a unified framework for digital trade, AI integration, cybersecurity, and the creation of a Single ICT Space.
In a statement released by CANTO, the organisation highlighted that over USD $9 billion is needed to support the Caribbean’s transition to a Gigabit Society. Lisa Agard, Chair of the CANTO C9 Steering Group, noted that 70% of network data usage in the region comes from OTT services provided by global tech giants—yet these companies do not contribute to infrastructure investment or maintenance.
“Operators are facing increasing demands for data capacity, but without contributions from Big Tech, the burden falls solely on network providers,” Agard emphasised.
Blackburn detailed One Communications’ proactive steps in advancing the Caribbean Gigabit Society. He highlighted the company’s recent rebranding, reflecting its strategic investments in fiber, 5G, and premium customer experiences. Additionally, he introduced Brava, One’s enterprise solutions brand offering cybersecurity, cloud-based services, and mission-critical business support.
“We know we cannot achieve this vision alone,” Blackburn stated. “Collaboration is essential, and we must innovate together to serve the people of the Caribbean in new and transformative ways.”
Blackburn pointed to Guyana as a prime example of effective industry collaboration, showcasing initiatives such as: MMG Digital Payments – Enabling mobile top-up payments across all network operators; and Shared Network Infrastructure – Leveraging fiber assets to improve resilience and support independent wireless ISPs.
Reflecting on his 17-year journey in the Caribbean telecommunications industry, Blackburn shared his inspiration from collaborative efforts across the region, including his work with President Jimmy Carter and Habitat for Humanity in Haiti.
He closed his address by invoking the words of John Lennon’s Imagine, reinforcing a shared vision for a connected and sustainable future:
“You may say I’m a dreamer, but I’m not the only ONE. I hope someday you’ll join us, and the world will live as ONE.”
With Dr. Delreo Newman stepping in as CANTO’s new chairman, Blackburn reaffirmed One Communications’ unwavering commitment to digital transformation in the Caribbean, ensuring that no one is left behind on the path to a fully connected future.