NASSAU, BAHAMAS- Mobile phone subscriptions last year saw the steepest decline since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority’s (URCA) 2024 Annual Report, which also revealed that fixed broadband and Pay TV services continued on an upward trajectory, with both subscriber numbers and penetration rates increasing over the past year.
The number of mobile phone subscribers in The Bahamas declined from 399,630 in 2023 to 387,960 in 2024—a drop of 11,670 subscribers or 2.92 percent. According to URCA, this represents “the largest decrease since the COVID-19 pandemic year of 2020.” The mobile phone penetration rate also fell by 3.93 percent year-over-year, decreasing from 99.47 to 95.56 subscriptions per 100 persons. URCA noted that this drop “signals a reversal in the trend of mobile growth seen in previous years.”
Fixed broadband services, by contrast, experienced continued growth in 2024. Subscriptions increased by 6.58 percent, rising from 95,132 to 101,396. The broadband penetration rate climbed to 24.98 subscriptions per 100 persons. URCA stated, “The increase in broadband subscriptions reflects a strengthening demand for reliable and high-speed internet connectivity across the country.”
BTC, Cable Bahamas, and Starlink are the retail fixed broadband providers currently operating in The Bahamas. URCA noted, “The introduction of Starlink in 2023 has contributed to greater service availability and consumer choice, particularly in underserved areas.” Starlink’s satellite-based service now complements the coverage areas of BTC and Cable Bahamas, offering nationwide reach across the archipelago, including remote Family Islands.
The Pay TV segment recorded its highest annual growth rate to date. Subscriptions rose 7.5 percent, increasing from 56,553 in 2023 to 60,800 in 2024. URCA stated, “This is the largest year-over-year percentage increase in Pay TV subscriptions since URCA began reporting on the segment.” It also marks the second consecutive year of growth in the Pay TV market after four years of consistent decline from 2018 to 2022. Cable Bahamas remains the leading Pay TV provider, delivering services through cable and IPTV. BTC offers IPTV on selected islands.
Fixed voice service subscriptions resumed their downward trend after a brief increase in the previous year. The total number of fixed voice subscribers decreased by 3.77 percent, from 91,247 in 2023 to approximately 87,808 in 2024. The penetration rate fell from 24.08 to 22.93 subscriptions per 100 inhabitants. URCA stated, “The decline in fixed voice services continues a long-standing trend as consumers increasingly rely on mobile and internet-based communication alternatives.”
