Preliminary Determination on Proposed Revisions to Final Determinations Class Licences, Exemptions, and Types of Fees (ECS 24/2009) and Guidelines for the Type Approval Certificate of Licence‐Exempt Radio Spectrum Devices (ECS 02/2013)
The Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority (URCA) has today published a Preliminary Determination on Proposed Revisions to Final Determinations Class Licences, Exemptions, and Types of Fees (ECS 24/2009) and Guidelines for the Type Approval Certificate of Licence‐Exempt Radio Spectrum Devices (ECS 02/2013). This document, which relates to the Type Approval of Low Power devices, is listed as ECS 05/2019.
What is a Type Approval and whom does it impact?
A Type Approval Certificate is a document that grants authorization for the use of a specific low power device in The Bahamas. The issuance of a Type Approval Certificate indicates that URCA has confirmed that the device will comply with the exemption requirements set out in section 17(3) of the Comms Act and therefore may be used in The Bahamas without additional licensing by URCA. Type Approvals Certificates are issued for consumer devices such a laptop, wireless Wi-Fi routers, remote controls, cordless telephones, garage door openers, automobile keyless entry systems, etc.
Why Is the Revision Necessary?
The Revision to Annex G of the Final Determination (ECS 24/2009) and the Revision to Guidelines for the Type Approval of Licence‐Exempt Radio Spectrum Devices (ECS 02/2013) will make it possible for URCA to grant a type approval certificate for new categories of low power electronic communications devices that satisfy the requirements for exemption set out in section 17(3) of the Comms Act. This will enable members of the Bahamian public to use a host of everyday consumer electronic devices without the need to obtain a Licence from URCA.
How does the process work?
The process involves interaction between the manufacturer of a low power device and URCA. In the Type Approval process, the manufacturer of a low power device is required to demonstrate to URCA that:
i. The device is designed for efficient use of the radio frequency spectrum and avoid harmful interference with no degradation of service to other users of the spectrum;
ii. The device conforms to health and safety standards and does not cause harm to the user or other individuals; and
iii. The electromagnetic emissions do not disrupt the operation of equipment operating nearby.
Once URCA is satisfied, URCA issues a Type Approval Certificate for the device, which allows the public to use the devices without having to come to URCA for a Licence.
What are we proposing to change?
The Guidelines for the Type Approval of Licence‐Exempt Radio Spectrum Devices (ECS 02/2013) only allow devices tested using the CFR Part 15 standards to be issued a Type Approval certificate. The proposed change will remove that restriction and allow URCA to consider the type approval of low power devices manufactured in compliance with the standards of
countries other than the USA.
How will the proposed changes impact the ECS?
URCA believes that the proposed changes will enhance the efficiency of the Bahamian electronic communications sector and promote the optimal use of radio spectrum in The Bahamas.
URCA encourages all interested parties to make written submissions on the consultation. Initial responses to this Consultation Document should be submitted to URCA by 5 p.m. on 1 August
2019.
Written responses or comments on this Consultation Document should be sent to URCA’s Director of Electronic Communications, either:
By hand, to URCA’s office at Frederick House, Frederick Street, Nassau; or
By mail to P.O. Box N-4860, Nassau, Bahamas; or
By fax, to (242) 393-0153; or
By email, to info@urcabahamas.bs.
Media contact:
Mavis Johnson Collie
Corporate and Consumer Relations Manager
Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority
Telephone: (242) 396-5201
Facsimile: (242) 393-0153
Email: mjcollie@urcabahamas.bs
