NASSAU, BAHAMAS – The Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority (URCA) has extended the deadline for feedback on its proposed 5G regulatory framework, as industry stakeholders seek more time to review what will shape the country’s next phase of digital and telecommunications development.
URCA confirmed that the deadline for written submissions has been pushed back from April 8 to May 31, 2026, at 5:00 p.m., following requests for additional time to assess the wide-ranging proposals.
The consultation, first published on February 5, represents the third and final phase of URCA’s process to establish a regulatory structure for 5G in The Bahamas. It outlines how the regulator intends to manage spectrum allocation and pricing, licensing conditions, rollout obligations, service quality standards, infrastructure resilience, and network security.
As the country’s independent regulator and competition authority for the electronic communications sector, URCA oversees fixed and mobile telecommunications, broadcasting, and the management of spectrum and numbering resources.
The push toward 5G is being driven by the Government’s Electronic Communications Sector Policy 2024–2027, which identifies expanded broadband access and advanced mobile technologies as national priorities. The policy framework positions 5G as critical to enabling new services, driving infrastructure investment, supporting technologies such as artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things, strengthening the digital economy, and expanding access to high-speed connectivity.
URCA said the current consultation is aimed at ensuring the final framework is fit for purpose and aligned with both national policy goals and international best practices, while supporting timely and sustainable deployment of 5G networks.
The regulator has already completed two earlier phases of work, including assessing market demand and engaging with government and industry stakeholders to develop a roadmap. That process found that consumers are primarily focused on reliable, high-speed internet, while future demand is expected to grow in areas such as tourism and national security. Mobile network operators have also indicated that 5G is a natural step to increase network capacity but depends on a supportive regulatory environment.
The latest phase sets out detailed proposals, including which spectrum bands will be made available, how licences will be structured and priced, rollout and performance obligations, and the process and timeline for awarding spectrum.
URCA said it has engaged widely in developing the proposals, holding discussions with key government ministries, regulators, and industry players, including mobile operators and entities interested in private 5G networks such as resort developers and private island operators.
Stakeholders are being encouraged to use the extended deadline to submit detailed feedback, which will inform the final policy framework.
Once the consultation period closes, URCA will review submissions and publish a Statement of Results and Final Decision outlining how 5G will be implemented across The Bahamas.
