The Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority (URCA) today launched its public

consultation process for the review and modification of existing licences in the Electronic

Communications Sector (ECS).

This review aims to ensure that the regulatory framework remains robust, equitable, and

aligned with the evolving needs of the industry and the Bahamian public.

This comprehensive review will cover several key types of licences.

URCA proposes that all existing Individual Operating Licences (IOLs), granted to operators

providing network and carriage services, be revised to ensure consistency across licensees.

For those IOLs expiring in 2024, they will be renewed for the standard 15-year period.

Licensees with later expiry dates will have their licences renewed for the remainder of the

current period.

No new or revised licences will be issued to any licensee with outstanding fees.

Similar to IOLs, Individual Spectrum Licences (ISLs) required for electronic communication

services will also be renewed and revised under the same conditions.

As with IOLs, delinquent licensees will not receive a revised licence until all fees are cleared.

Unlike IOLs and ISLs, Class Licences do not have a definitive expiration date.

However, URCA proposes to reissue all Class Licences following this consultation process.

Class licensees will be required to reapply for these revised licences, and, as with other licence

types, outstanding fees will prevent the issuance of these licences.

URCA also plans to revise and replace existing operating and spectrum exemptions, ensuring

that they align with current regulatory objectives and the needs of the ECS.Frederick House, Frederick Street│P. O. Box N-4860, Nassau, Bahamas│T.242.396-5200

www.urcabahamas.bs

In addition to the licence revisions, URCA is addressing the issue of delinquent licensees who

have failed to pay required fees.

Under the proposed changes, URCA will implement stricter measures, including the suspension

of licences for non-payment.

These suspensions will prohibit the licensee from providing services until all fees are settled. If

the issue persists, URCA reserves the right to revoke the licence entirely.

Much more detailed information on proposed changes to licence conditions can be found

within the consultation document and the annexes.

URCA invites all stakeholders, including industry operators, consumer groups, and the general

public, to participate in this consultation process.

Your feedback is invaluable in shaping a fair and effective regulatory environment for the

electronic communications sector in The Bahamas.

The public consultation process is open until 20 September 2024.

Responses and comments should be submitted in writing to URCA by email at

info@urcabahamas.bs or by post to URCA Consultation, P.O. Box N-4860, Nassau, The Bahamas.

For more detailed information on the proposed changes and to access the consultation

documents, please visit URCA’s website at www.urcabahamas.bs

URCA ECS 72-2024 Licence Modification Public Consultation Document and Annexes

Media Contact:

Juan McCartney

Corporate and Consumer Relations Manager

Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority

jmccartney@urcabahamas.bs

1 (242) 396-5242