Thanks for sharing this Glenn.  Wasn't aware of the grant funding but now that I am, I think I will push ICT4D Jamaica to explore it.

Almost 18 years ago as part of a network systems provisioning practice I ran for a conglomerate, we allowed an agricultural-based company to move their hq from KIN to a rural location without telecoms infrastructure some 20 miles away as the crow flies by delivering their POTS service over a 2.4GHz ISM channel. That was my first glimmer of what could be done; the company we worked with was called Cabletron (later Enterasys) which pioneered ASICs for network applications. And for more than 8 years now we have been advocating for conditions conducive to building community broadband wireless networks with interconnection rights to the national backbone as a practical way to connect the underserved and the commercially-hard-to-serve. Can't say we've had much success; a small one was created in a small farming community in St Mary Parish but for want of stable interconnection and affordability it kinda withered away.  [Coincidentally, a youngster who worked for me and migrated to work for Nortel did the engineering with 'open' platforms.] 

Some regulations have to be changed to enable stability, capacity and sustainability. So for example, we have been pushing for more unlicensed wi-fi spectrum by reallocation; I wrote a briefing paper pushing for some in the 5GHz band.  Maybe it is serendipity but I now understand Google is thinking re-allocation as well because it fits into their plans for alternate bandwidth provisioning means as per Project Loon and other such initiatives. [I gather the Canadians are opposed on account of possible satcom interference.] So this is being proposed for adoption at WRC-15 later this year in Geneva; the proposal is for a study. We're pushing local authorities in the region to reserve and assign smaller chunks of licensed spectrum for use as 'demonstration' plots, which would enable assignment for community networks; ECTEL, the Eastern Caribbean Telecommunications Regulatory Authority already does. Looking also for re-assignment of spectrum vacated by over-the-air UHF/VHF tv when they go digital in about 5 years + the white spaces now. 

The topic is of great interest so anything you find out and can share would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers.

CAS