While The Bahamas offers all forms of modern telecommunication, the industry is currently the subject of numerous governmental plans to improve on the nation’s technological capacity. At the centre of these plans is the aim to position The Bahamas as the optimal state-of-the-art centre, expanding its resources within the field of E-commerce (for which legislation is underway).

The industry is regulated by the Public Utilities Commission, an agency established in 2000. During the same year, the Telecommunications Act was significantly overhauled, making room for further improvements within the industry.

Grand Bahama and New Providence are linked to the U.S. via submarine fibre optic cables. An increasing number of Bahamians and businesses operating locally are taking advantage of the cable, telephone, satellite, and wireless services available. The number of internet users alone has skyrocketed since the late 90’s and continues to grow. There are several local internet service providers (ISP’s) offering either dial-up modem, high-speed, or cable internet access.

The industry is expected to expand considerably once the privatization of the government-owned Bahamas Telecommunication’s Company (BTC) is finalized. The government plans to complete the process in 2004. Privatization will allow for greater competition within the industry and will help The Bahamas better meet global market demands.

Communications Penetration
Number of fixed lines in service in The Bahamas – 120,000
Number of cellular users – 100,000
Number of internet users – 34,000
(source: Public Utilities Commission)