The Caribbean region is on the cusp of a significant mobile technology transformation, with 5G connections projected to surpass 20% of the total mobile connections by 2030. This advanced wireless technology, which accounted for approximately 6% of the region’s mobile connections by mid-2025, is being progressively rolled out across various islands, driven by operator investments and a growing demand for high-speed, low-latency connectivity.
The Expanding 5G Footprint
Puerto Rico was an early pioneer, launching its 5G network in 2019, followed by the U.S. Virgin Islands in 2020. As of July, 17 operators had deployed 5G services across eight Caribbean territories. Recent developments include Flow Barbados launching its 5G mobile network in October 2025, becoming the first provider on the island, with plans to cover 50% of the population by the end of 2026. Similarly, French territories Guadeloupe and Martinique saw the launch of 5G services in early 2025, following a spectrum auction. Projections suggest that The Bahamas and Sint Maarten are poised to be the next territories to deploy 5G, while Trinidad and Tobago is also moving towards mobile 5G, building on existing fixed wireless 5G services. This expansion is indicative of a broader trend across the Caribbean, signaling a decisive shift towards next-generation mobile technology. This news underscores the dynamic evolution of digital infrastructure in the region.
Key Players and Technological Advancements
Liberty Latin America, operating under brands like Flow, is a prominent player in the Caribbean’s 5G rollout. The company has been actively testing advanced technologies, including 5G virtualized Radio Access Network (vRAN) and Open RAN in Puerto Rico, marking the first deployment of such technologies in the Caribbean. These initiatives are crucial for developing more flexible and cost-effective network architectures. Liberty Caribbean is also a partner in SpaceMobile’s direct-to-device satellite communications efforts, highlighting a multi-faceted approach to connectivity. Other operators, such as SFR and Orange in the French Antilles, have also been instrumental in bringing 5G to new markets. The progress in 5G deployment is often spurred by competitive dynamics, as operators seek to gain an edge over rivals and attract customers with superior performance.
Drivers and Challenges in 5G Adoption
The accelerating adoption of 5G in the Caribbean is driven by several factors. The promise of faster speeds, lower latency, and increased capacity enhances user experiences, supports emerging applications like the Internet of Things (IoT), and offers potential for significant economic transformation. Industries such as tourism, healthcare, and agriculture stand to benefit from enhanced connectivity, enabling everything from immersive digital experiences to precision farming and remote medical support. However, the path to widespread 5G adoption is not without its hurdles. High deployment costs, the need for robust regulatory frameworks, and the challenge of spectrum allocation remain significant considerations. Furthermore, the economic disparities among Caribbean islands contribute to an uneven 5G rollout, potentially widening the digital divide. The affordability of 5G-capable devices and the need to recoup investments made in 4G technology also present economic challenges for both operators and consumers.
Implications for the Caribbean’s Digital Future
As 5G technology becomes more prevalent, its implications for the Caribbean’s digital economy are substantial. It has the potential to boost GDP, create new job opportunities, and foster innovation across various sectors. The development of 5G networks is seen as a cornerstone for the region’s digital transformation, moving it closer to becoming a gigabit society. While the technology offers the promise of bridging the digital divide by providing access to e-commerce, online education, and democratic participation tools, proactive policies and investments are necessary to ensure equitable development. Without such measures, there is a risk that urban and more affluent areas will benefit disproportionately, exacerbating existing inequalities. Therefore, strategic planning and collaboration among governments, regulators, and the private sector will be crucial to harness the full potential of 5G technology and ensure inclusive growth across the entire Caribbean.
The ongoing news surrounding 5G deployments highlights a region actively embracing technological advancements, with projections indicating a substantial increase in its mobile connection landscape by the end of the decade. The journey towards comprehensive 5G coverage is complex, but the trajectory points towards a more connected and digitally empowered Caribbean.