URCA Act

The Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority (URCA) which was established in 2009, is the regulatory authority with responsibility for the electronic communications sector (ECS) in The Bahamas. With its establishment, URCA effectively replaced the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) and the Television Regulatory Authority (TRA).

The Electronics Communications Sector which falls under URCA’s jurisdiction is currently comprised of the following utility services:

• Fixed and mobile telephone services (with the exception of cellular services)
• Spectrum and numbering
• Internet services
• Broadcasting including pay television

The legislative framework for the ECS is set out in the Communications Act, 2009. This Act empowers URCA as the independent regulator of the sector with all regulatory tools and authorities for effective governance.

Although URCA currently regulates the ECS only, it may regulate other sectors in the future (such as energy and water), if given specific responsibilities to do so under other sector specific legislation.

Obtain more information as it relates to the scope of URCA’s  their operations.