NASSAU, BAHAMAS — URCA has developed a draft “roadmap” to identify and address regulatory and policy issues critical to the deployment of 5G technology in The Bahamas.
Releasing a consultation document on a roadmap to enable the rollout of 5G in The Bahamas, the regulator said it recognises that reliable, high-speed broadband connectivity and technological advancements like 5G are critical to innovation and the future development of The Bahamas. URCA said it has been working with stakeholders to assess the demand for 5G and develop a roadmap for its deployment.
URCA conducted a consultation to understand and build a case for current and expected demand for enhanced internet connectivity and 5G services in the second half of 2023. Survey findings indicate that end users primarily seek fast and reliable internet access, with tourism and national security/law enforcement being the main use cases going forward. Operators see 5G as a natural evolution to improve network capacity, but highlight that a supportive regulatory and policy environment is needed to facilitate its deployment.
URCA is currently working closely with the Bahamian Government and industry stakeholders to identify and address remaining regulatory and policy issues. This phase will include meetings with stakeholders, consultations on the draft framework and finalizing the framework.
The draft roadmap outlines the key regulatory measures and supply-side considerations required for a market-led 5G rollout. It also describes spectrum needs, appropriate allocation procedures and practical considerations for 5G implementation.
URCA is also working with Bahamas’ Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) to gather insights on the commercial feasibility, technical, regulatory and policy considerations of 5G rollout in various regions. Additionally, URCA is meeting with key government stakeholders, including the Ministry of Economy, the Attorney General’s Office, the Ministry of Public Works and the Civil Aviation Authority of the Bahamas (CAAB), to understand their views on policy measures and address concerns related to the 5G rollout.
