On 23 December 2016, the Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority (URCA) issued its Preliminary Determination on Mobile Number Portability (MNP). The document invited comments from interested parties on matters related to the implementation of MNP in The Bahamas and indicated that subject to responses received, it was proposed to launch MNP by 14 February 2017. This proposed date was based on an agreed schedule for the necessary preparatory activities for both providers concerned, namely the Bahamas Telecommunications Company Limited (BTC) and BeAliv Limited (Aliv).
The launch of MNP requires both operators to implement various changes to their networks and business processes. Commencing during the last week in January, URCA carried out an assessment of the operators’ readiness for MNP, and has determined that neither operator is in a position to ensure a successful implementation of MNP by 14 February 2017, the date initially proposed.
URCA is working with the operators to set and agree a revised launch date, which URCA expects to occur in March 2017. URCA will continue to assess and monitor the readiness of the operators to achieve the successful launch of MNP in The Bahamas at the earliest possible date, for the benefit of consumers.
The full Preliminary Determination document can be found here https://urcabahamas.bs/consultations.php?cmd=view&article=425 on URCA’s website.