NASSAU, BAHAMAS — URCA has developed a draft ‘roadmap’ to identify and address regulatory and policy issues essential for the deployment of 5G technology in The Bahamas.
The regulator which has published a consultation document on the roadmap to enable 5G deployment in The Bahamas noted that it recognizes that reliable, high-speed broadband connectivity and technological advancements like 5G are crucial for innovation and future development in The Bahamas. URCA said that it has engaged with stakeholders to assess the demand for 5G and develop the roadmap for its deployment.
In late 2023, URCA conducted a consultation to understand and build an evidence base for current and anticipated demand for enhanced internet connectivity and 5G services. The findings indicate that end users primarily seek reliable internet access at good speeds, with tourism and national security/law enforcement being the main future use cases. Operators view 5G as a natural evolution to improve network capacity but emphasize the need for a supportive regulatory and policy environment to facilitate its rollout.
URCA is now working closely with the Government of The Bahamas and industry stakeholders to identify and address any remaining regulatory and policy issues. This phase includes stakeholder meetings, consultations on the draft framework, and finalization of the framework.
The draft roadmap outlines key regulatory measures and supply-side considerations necessary for market-led 5G deployment. It discusses spectrum needs, suitable assignment procedures, and practical considerations for 5G implementation.
URCA has also engaged with Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) in The Bahamas to gather insights on the commercial viability of 5G deployment across various regions, as well as technical, regulatory, and policy considerations. Additionally, URCA has met with key government stakeholders, including the Ministry of Economic Affairs, the Office of the Attorney General, the Ministry of Works, and the Civil Aviation Authority Bahamas (CAAB), to understand their views on policy actions and address any concerns related to 5G deployment.
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