Broadcasting Commission

Government of Jamaica 

Applications

 

NOTE TO PROSPECTIVE STV/CABLE APPLICANTS

Please be advised that there is a cable re-zoning project which is underway. This re-zoning exercise could have far-reaching implications for licences, costs and regulatory obligations in the future. Prospective applicants are therefore advised to contact our offices for additional information, prior to submitting an application.

IMPORTANT NOTICE

With immediate effect, there is a temporary hold on the granting of licences for island-wide radio broadcast services. Until further notice, the Commission will not be accepting applications for those services. Additionally, kindly note that there is currently no call for applications to operate free-to-air television services.

For services that require the use of the spectrum, applicants must first ascertain the availability of spectrum from the Spectrum Management Authority (SMA) http://www.sma.gov.jm/. After you have received approval from SMA and have been assigned the necessary spectrum, you may apply to the Commission.

One of the Broadcasting Commission's main functions is to recommend to the Minister of Information which applicants should receive licences to operate broadcast radio and television and subscriber television services. It also recommends the terms and conditions under which those licences should be granted and renewed.

Applicants for licences are expected to meet certain programming, technical and financial standards and be able to provide a satisfactory level of customer service. Once the Commission is satisfied that an applicant can adequately staff and operate the service according to the Television and Sound Broadcasting Regulations, a recommendation is made to the Minister of information who then decides whether a licence should be granted.

 Applying for an STV Licence

pdfGuidelines for Applicants for STV Licences
pdf
Stages in the application process
pdfSTV Operators and Zones Served 
pdfApplication Form
pdfApplication for variation of a Subscriber Television Licence
pdfApplication for attachment to Utility Poles
pdfApplication for STV Wireless Form B2
pdfSTV Application Technical Evaluation Checklist

Applying for a Broadcasting Licence

pdfGuidelines for Applying for a Commercial Broadcasting Licence
pdfStages in the application process
pdfApplication Form

Requirements for Operating a Low Power Radio Station

pdfRequirements for Operating a Low Power Radio Station

Applications for Renewal of Licence

pdfApplication for Broadcast Licence Renewal Form B
pdfApplication for STV Licence Renewal Form B

Licence Fees

Application Fees  
Licence (All Categories) J$110,000
Variation J$50,000
Renewal J$10,000
Grant of Licence  
Commercial Broadcasting J$50,000
Non-Commercial Broadcasting /Special US$3,500
Subscriber Television (STV) service Calculation based on formula
Variation of STV service Calculation based on formula
Renewal of Licence J$150,000
Annual Licence Fee  
Non-Commercial Broadcasting / Special US$2,500
Subscriber Television (STV) service 5% of gross subscription fees payable

Vision

To be an innovative regulator that leads and facilitates the development and advancement of a dynamic electronic communications sector for the benefit of Jamaica.

Mission

Our mission is to ensure a successful national transition to a digital economy, using technological innovation to empower, liberate and encourage new forms of business, social, cultural and media development while protecting the people of Jamaica from potential risks including harmful content.

bcj

9 Central Avenue,
Kingston 10 
Jamaica WI
Telephone: 876-920-9537-9
929-1998, 876-618-0876-8
Toll Free: 1-888-99- CABLE (22253)
Facsimile: 876-929-1997
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.