The Bahamas

Regulatory Updates for The Bahamas

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The Bahamas Regulatory Approval Overview

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Bahamas URCA label requirements:

Low Power Devices entering The Bahamas must be clearly marked showing the following information:

a) The manufacturer’s Name;

b) Model, Type Number;

c) Serial Number; and

d) Approval Number (i.e., the FCC’s Equipment Grant identifier).

August 2024

The Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority (“URCA”) is pleased to announce the publication of its Consultation Document on the Roadmap to enable 5G deployment in The Bahamas (“the Consultation Document”). URCA believes that the Consultation Document represents a significant step towards the introduction of advanced broadband connectivity in The Bahamas, paving the way for enhanced electronic communications services and social and economic growth.

November 2019
Bahamas Removes Restrictions for Low-Power Device Approval
In the middle of November, the Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority (URCA) published Final Determination on the Guidelines for the Type Approval Certificate of Licence‐Exempt Radio Spectrum Devices. This document relates to the type approval process for low-power devices.

The updates to the existing low power device rule in the Bahamas are as follows:

Other test reports, outside of the FCC report can now be used to prove the device meets Bahamas regulations.
The product must operate in compliance with the National Spectrum Plan of the Bahamas
The product must have been tested by any URCA approved Telecommunications Certification Body or TCB
The product must have a unique identification label indicating that the device is authorized by and URCA approved telecommunication regulatory body
The product must only be capable of low power radiation
The product must only be capable of transmitting signals over short distances

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The Bahamas are located in The Caribbean.

The current population as of 2024 is 401,962.

The official language of The Bahamas is English.

Frequencies allowed in The Bahamas:

The 900 MHz frequency band is generally allowed for use in the Bahamas, as it is considered a standard radio frequency band used for various communication purposes.

Contact CSIA for a more detailed list of frequencies allowed in The Bahamas.

CSIA can provide supporting services should your company not be able to meet country specific requirements such as a local representative, local certificate holder, translating documents into the native language, etc.

Contact one of our friendly associates today, they are happy to assist you!

CSIA also offers FCC Certifications, CE Certifications, ISED Canada.

Contact CSIA at (503) 482 9289 or quotes@csiassoc.com

Type approval in The Bahamas

URCA (The Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority) is the regulatory body in the Bahamas that oversees and regulates the utilities sector, including electricity, water, and telecommunications, ensuring that these services are provided efficiently, fairly, and in the public interest.

URCA Approval refers to the process by which businesses or entities operating within these sectors must obtain approval from URCA for various activities such as:

Licensing: Any new company or operator wishing to enter the utilities or telecommunications sector must be licensed by URCA.

Rate Approvals: Utilities seeking to adjust their service rates, fees, or tariffs must get URCA’s approval to ensure that the changes are reasonable and in line with regulatory standards.

Compliance and Operations: Operators must ensure they meet URCA's standards for service quality, operational practices, and pricing. Approval may be required for certain operational changes or business plans.

Market Entry: For new market entrants in the telecommunications or energy sectors, URCA ensures that competition is fair, and that monopolistic practices are avoided.

Essentially, URCA's role is to ensure transparency, fairness, and competition in sectors

that are critical for the economy and society in the Bahamas. URCA approval helps

protect consumers and ensures that companies adhere to established regulations and

best practices.

Note that many of the documents in the Bahamas URCA site discuss a “license”. This

is something that would be required to operate a product but do not confuse it with

the “type approval” of a product. Here is the note from the agency regarding “license”.

The short answer to your question is that all transmitters imported into the Bahamas

must be registered (type approval).

However, with respect to Type Approval enquiry, Low Power Devices are considered

License Exempt. You can contact CSIA for guidance on the licensing regime under the Comms Act, 2009, section 3.3 which deals with Low Power Device exemptions.

Therefore, Homologation (Type Approval) is not legally required for cell phone products in Bahamas, but the provider operating in The Bahamas must be a Licensed Provider.

Sections 16; 17 & 18 The Bahamas Official Gazette The Bahamas (Act.2009).

Equipment requiring type approval include, but are not limited to:

Only car radios with RF transmitters, such as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi technologies.
Cordless phones
Fax machines
GSM telephones
Mobile radios
Modems
Wireless remote devices
PABXs (including small business systems and key systems)

URCA type approval in The Bahamas requires acceptable FCC reports.
No local representative is required.
No local certificate holder is required.
Lead time is approximately 3-4 weeks from the time all documents have been collected.
Certificate is valid indefinitely.