Telecommunications Infrastructure
Liberalization and Deregulation
Government Policies
The Telecommunications Act 2000 came into force on March 25 paving the way for the privatization of the Bahamas Telecommunications Corporation (BaTelCo) and removing monopoly rights. It also created the Public Utilities Commission as a licensing regime for telecommunications to license and regulate Batelco - as well as for the licensing and regulation of all public utilities and providers of Internet services in The Bahamas.
Additional legislation to support technology development is in the works. The Bahamas Financial Services Board presented the government with an E-Commerce Position Paper in early 2000, detailing a strategy for The Bahamas to become a global leader as an electronic commerce and communications hub, including the development of enabling legislation. It also served on the Ministry of Finance's National Steering Committee on E-Commerce, which led to the drafting of an action plan submitted to the Cabinet.
The BFSB Working Group on E-Commerce has been presented with the drafts for proposed legislation, as follows:- Computer Misuse Act, 2000
- Electronic Communications Act, 2000
- Data Protection (Privacy of Information) Act 2000
Although not viewing privatization itself as a guarantee for competitiveness, the Minister of Finance views it as a necessary first step towards this end. There are vast numbers of young entrepreneurs waiting for Batelco's privatization, seeking to provide cellular, wireless and data transmission services. Privatization should result in creating competitiveness, building awareness of consumer and business needs, driving the removal of bureaucracy and ensuring a wider base of private sector participation and control.
