A PYMNTS Company

URCA changes position to reserve space in 700 MHz frequency for two, not three, cellular operators

By  |  March 27, 2012

The Bahamas’ Utilities Regulation & Competition Authority (URCA) has decided to reserve space in the 700 MHz radio frequency spectrum for only two cellular operators. This marks a change from URCA’s position in the draft policy, which was to reserve space for three operators. URCA defended its revised stance by explaining it had weighed the current need for spectrum by non-mobile operators against the future need by a third mobile provider. URCA determined that a third provider would not be legally permissible in the country until 2016. Given the potential obstacles that would need to be surmounted before that date, URCA opted to favor the immediate need for spectrum.

    Get the Full Story

    Complete the form to unlock this article and enjoy unlimited free access to all PYMNTS content — no additional logins required.

    Subscribe to our daily newsletter, PYMNTS Today.

    By completing this form, you agree to receive marketing communications from PYMNTS and to the sharing of your information with our sponsor, if applicable, in accordance with our Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions.

    URCA also addressed concerns with Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC)’s allocation of space in the 700 MHz frequency spectrum, given its legal monopoly in the cellular market. URCA responded that the band would allow BTC to offer customers 4G LTE data rates that were six times faster than the current HSPA+ technology rates.

    We’d love to be your preferred source for news.

    Please add us to your preferred sources list so our news, data and interviews show up in your feed. Thanks!

    Add as Preferred Source

    Full content: The Tribune