UK-backed cellco LIME Jamaica has announced plans to invest JMD8 .3 billion (USD78.78 million) over the next two years on the widespread rollout of a HSPA + upgrade to its mobile network. The Jamaica Gleaner writes that the project was started last month, and that customers should begin to notice improvements before the end of the year. Around a quarter of the funds will be spent within the current financial year, which ends 31 March 2014. Garfield Sinclair, CEO of LIME , commented on the plans: ‘By the end of 2013, more customers in more places will begin to experience noticeably faster upload and download speeds while using their smartphone or tablet device.’

In related news, Jamaica’s Spectrum Management Authority (SMA) has invited expressions of interest (EoI) regarding licences for frequencies in the 1800MHz, 1900MHz, 1700MHz/2100MHz and 2500MHz-2600MHz bands. The announcement follows the recent unsuccessful attempt to sell off two 700MHz licences for wireless broadband services, despite initial interest from 25 individuals and companies from ten countries.