In January 2003, a seemingly ordinary journey from the Norman Manley International Airport saw the manifestation of brain power into a telecommunications masterpiece when Keecha Hamilton and Eric McGregor looked at the telecommunication industry in Jamaica and recognized the need for a homegrown carrier to offer an affordable solution to its people at home and abroad. At this time, Jamaica was already two years into deregulation, yet international calling remained too expensive for effective communication. These young Jamaicans decided there and then that they would take on the responsibility to provide the average Jamaican with what should be the fruits of deregulation; the access to affordable means of communication.
Almost immediately these young Jamaican entrepreneurs after consulting with seasoned telecom veteran Michael Dawson, formed an incredible alliance. They pooled their resources and set the ball a rolling. They set forth to infiltrate the market and compete with other established telecommunication giants to proudly become the first 100% JAMAICAN OWNED DISCOUNT TELECOMMUNICATIONS provider in the island. Guided by the philosophy and teachings of Marcus Garvey, People’s Telecom was formed with the idea that a Jamaican company formed by its People, to serve its People by providing jobs and opportunities for Jamaicans here and overseas will get the support it needs to become the true PEOPLE’S TELECOM of Jamaica.
In July 2003, the company officially began operating with its registered office located at 9 Derrymore Road. In the latter part of 2003, the first board meeting was held in a 10x10 cubicle where the decision was made to offer wholesale minutes as PTJ had amassed over a 10% market share. Since then we have never looked back and we celebrated our millionth minute, in November 2004. In December 2004, we launched a retail operation in North America becoming a strong presence in the market almost immediately. As was our objective from inception, we not only have an office in the heart of Jamaica’s business sector but we also have a strong presence in the Jamaican Diaspora with offices established in the United States and Canada. Today we have:-
- Received the Milestone Achievement Award of Excellence in Technology and Media - March 2006
- Attained five telecommunication licenses
- Powered over sixteen calling cards in three different countries
- Fused culture with technology; being the first company in the world to offer patois prompts on an international calling card
- Most recently launched our cellular service - FREEDOM WIRELESS.
Since its inception, People’s Telecom Jamaica Limited has been aligned with an impressive array of cultural icons – Oliver Samuels, Louise (Ms. Lou) Bennett and Freddie McGregor - each proudly endorsing a different product.
Oliver Samuels, Jamaica’s most revered and outstanding comedian and actor joined forces with People’s Telecom in 2004. He officially launched his calling card – The Oliver Farring Cyaad – in association with PTJ in Jamaica on December 13, 2004. Subsequently PTJ launched the Oliver Samuels’Yaad Cyaad in Florida (March 2005).
Oliver on People’s Telecom – “Oliver’s Yaad Cyaad is a very significant accomplishment for me as now persons can have a little taste of home whilst staying in touch with loved ones. Additionally, I am supporting a company that is 100% Jamaican even as I do my part to preserve our historic culture by infusing it with technology of the future. It is quite a unique and exciting calling card as it offers prompts in Patois, so when you use the card you can press one for English and Two for Patois.”
Louise ‘Ms. Lou’ Bennett, Jamaica’s Grande Dame of culture and People’s Telecom officially tied the knot on May 9th, 2005 with the birth of the Ms. Lou Calling Club. The Club which is geared towards unifying members of the Diaspora, was and is without a doubt a huge success.
Ms. Lou on People’s Telecom - “The Ms. Lou Calling Club is a very significant feat for me, as I am happy to be associated with young entrepreneurs with no big names behind them who want to show the world that Jamaican are capable of doing anything they set their minds to. Joining the PTJ family has thus far been a delightful experience because these children are clearly trying to preserve what is left of our rich cultural heritage and they should be applauded for this. It makes me proud to know that them lickle pickneys, in spite of the obstacles have gone on to expand the product base to other regions.”
Freddie McGregor, Jamaica’s supreme reggae ambassador, internationally acclaimed singer, songwriter and producer, is the official spokesperson for Freedom Wireless, PTJ’s cellular service. He was lovingly welcomed to the PTJ family on November 15th, 2006.
Freddie on People’s Telecom - “This is more a spiritual union. The company is expanding and so there will be a variety of things to do over the next couple of months and years to come, so we’re just working together as a tight unit. This is such a brave and brilliant move. And the right move because not only are we looking to maximise profit but to serve the people as best as we can. Anything to do with looking out for the poor people so that they can survive, it have to be the right thing… and Freedom is the right thing.”
From the very beginning, People’s Telecom Jamaica Limited has had to overcome several obstacles and challenges resulting from inadequate government policies and inept regulatory bodies. These challenges have however served to strengthen our resilience and our conviction that we are here to stay!
To become the premier provider of telecommunication solutions in the island of Jamaica and in the Jamaican Diaspora.
“Even today with faith, courage and just cause, David can still conquer Goliath” – His Imperial Majesty Haile Selassie
Jamaicans, for a very long time, had no choice but to endure high long distance calling rates from the dominant telecommunication companies. PTJ has brought discounted calling rates to the local telecom industry, offering competitive rates to most international destinations, severely undercutting our competitors. As a Jamaican company, we are not solely interested in the profit margin but our aim and goal is to play a major role in the development of our island home. This task we have set for ourselves is not limited to the development of the telecom industry but encompasses all areas of society as well.
PTJ is very confident that we can provide Jamaica with tremendous cost savings, contribute to improving your bottom line, and assist you with developing your technology towards making you more competitive on the local and international scale, while at the same time making significant contributions to the development of Jamaica. Contact us today and let us tell how you can enjoy all the benefits that come with subscribing to PTJ.
PTJ acquired four licenses from the Government in September 2003, and another one in early 2004. These licenses are:
a. Domestic Carrier License
b. Domestic Service Provider License
c. International (Voice/Data) Service Provider License
d. International (Voice/Data) Carrier License
e. Internet Service Provider (ISP)
We have established an International gateway in Jamaica in order to provide data solutions and telecommunications services in our island. In addition to being one of the largest providers for terminating minutes to Jamaica, we have our Point of Presence (POP)) in the heart of Jamaica's business capital, New Kingston. We also have a redundant POP located in one of the largest teleports in the United States.
