15 November 2019

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Final 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) today published its Final Determination on the 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).

Thisdocument, listed as ECS 69.2019, relates to the Type Approval process for  Low Power devices.  The new changes now 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. The changes also enable members of the Bahamian public to use as many additional everyday consumer electronic devices without the need to obtain a Licence from URCA.

A Type Approval Certificate is a document that grants authorization for the sale and or use of specific low power devices in The Bahamas. The issuance of a Type Approval Certificate indicates that URCA has confirmed that the device complies with the license exemption requirements set out in 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 laptops, wireless Wi-Fi routers, remote controls, cordless telephones, garage door openers, remote fans, automobile keyless entry systems, etc.

The Type Approval process involves interaction between the manufacturer of a low power device and URCA.  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 avoids 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.

The changes to the Guidelines removes the previous certification restriction that only allowed devices tested using the Federal Communications Commission’s CFR Part 15 standards, to be issued a Type Approval certificate.   URCA can now consider the type approval of low power devices manufactured in compliance with the standards of countries other than the USA.

However, to ensure the process remains robust, the changes also authorize URCA to approve other Telecommunications Certification Bodies (TCB) or Regulatory Authorities to verify the low power devices seeking URCA’s Type Approval comply with the requisite standards.