About Us
New Regulatory Regime
The Utilities Regulation & Competition Authority (URCA) is pleased to announce that the Communications Act 2009 (Comms Act), which gives URCA full powers of regulation and of oversight of the electronic communications sector in The Bahamas, comes into force on 1 September 2009.
This date signals the start of the transition to a new regulatory regime. Greater competition will be introduced in the electronic communications sector, to the benefit of the economy and of all persons in The Bahamas.
During the transition, URCA is required to act to ensure maximum continuity. For this purpose, the functions and powers previously vested in the Public Utilities Commission and the Television Regulatory Authority are transferred to URCA by law.
Firms and individuals authorised to provide services and to operate networks under the Telecommunications Act and the Broadcasting Act will be able to apply for a licence under the Comms Act. URCA will contact known existing licensees and will run a press campaign to inform the public.
Until new URCA regulatory measures are adopted, all existing regulatory measures adopted by the Public Utilities Commission and the Television Regulatory Authority continue in force to the extent that they do not conflict with provisions of the Comms Act, the Utilities Regulation & Competition Authority Act, 2009; the Utilities Tribunal Act, 2009 and any new regulatory measures adopted under these Acts.
URCA must issue a number of consultation documents over the course of the next few weeks. All interested parties are invited to respond to the consultations, to have their say from the start of the new regime. It will be possible to download all consultations under the Publications tab on this website.
At URCA we will be doing our best to minimise disruptions.