The Tribune

Regulators have disclosed they randomly conduct radiation compliance checks on the mobile networks of the Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) and Aliv.

Clinton Rahming, the Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority's (URCA) assistant regulatory officer, confirmed that these assessments are carried out to ensure compliance with international health and safety standards during a webinar held on November 26.

The webinar focused on strengthening the resilience of critical infrastructure; emerging wireless technologies; and URCA’s international participation.

Charles Kemp, URCA's regulatory consultant on the electronic communications sector, said the proposed disaster management regulations - expected to take effect as early as next year - outline how key providers will make their network more effective and resilient during and after a disaster.

He added that the regulations may permit the relaxation of certain licensing requirements for equipment designated for disaster mitigation in the industry. Mr Kemp further highlighted that a key feature of the proposed regulations will be a national roaming agreement between communications providers that will take effect if, and when, an emergency occurs.

This agreement will allow consumers to roam between companies, using networks different from their own communications providers, during a natural disaster or state of emergency.