Request for Applications – 700 MHz Radiofrequency Spectrum (ECS 10/2012)

Notice of Extension of Deadline for Application

URCA has received a request from an interested party for additional time for submission of applications under the RFA based on the complexity of the information required by URCA in response to the RFA, and the nature of the process under which applicants must receive a minimum score in order to be awarded spectrum licences. In response, URCA has decided to extend the deadline for applications from 4 May, 2012, to 25 May, 2012. As a consequence, the date for receipt of request for further information, referred to in section 1.4 of the RFA, has also been extended, to 11 May, 2012.

APPLICANTS ARE REMINDED THAT COMPLETE APPLICATIONS MUST BE RECEIVED BY URCA BY NO LATER THAN 3:00 PM, BAHAMAS TIME, ON THE CLOSING DATE OF 25 MAY 2012. LATE APPLICATIONS OR SUBMISSIONS SHALL NOT BE ACCEPTED.

Clarification on Provision of Mobile Services

URCA refers the attention of interested persons to the provisions of section 114 of the Communications Act, 2009 as amended by the Communications (Amendment) Act, 2011, which establishes the monopoly of the Bahamas Telecommunications Company Limited (BTC) in the provision of mobile services (which term includes both mobile voice and mobile data services) in The Bahamas. URCA hereby clarifies for the benefit of all parties interested in submitting applications in response to the RFA, that as a consequence of that monopoly, only BTC is entitled to apply for and receive assignments of spectrum in blocks B, B’, G and G’, which are the only blocks of spectrum in which mobile services will be authorised to be provided. Other interested parties may apply only for blocks A, C, D, E or F, however the spectrum licences granted for those blocks will expressly prohibit the provision of mobile services. Further information is available in URCA’s Statement of Results: Consultation on Draft Policy for New Spectrum Bands – 700 MHz, 11 GHz, 12 GHZ and 42 GHz (ECS 08/2012).