On November 15, 2019 URCA released a new regulation for low power devices. The Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority (URCA) published its Final Determination on the Guidelines for the Type Approval Certificate of Licence‐Exempt Radio Spectrum Devices.
The issuance of a Type Approval Certificate indicates that URCA has confirmed that the device complies with the license exemption requirements set out in the Comms Act and therefore may be used in The Bahamas without additional licensing by URCA. Type Approvals Certificates are issued for consumer devices such as laptops, wireless Wi-Fi routers, remote controls, cordless telephones, garage door openers, remote fans, automobile keyless entry systems, etc.
The Type Approval process involves interaction between the manufacturer of a low power device and URCA. The manufacturer of a low power device is required to demonstrate to URCA that:
- The device is designed for efficient use of the radio frequency spectrum and avoids harmful interference with no degradation of service to other users of the spectrum;
- The device conforms to health and safety standards and does not cause harm to the user or other individuals; and
- The electromagnetic emissions do not disrupt the operation of equipment operating nearby.
The changes to the Guidelines removes the previous certification restriction that only allowed devices tested using the Federal Communications Commission’s CFR Part 15 standards, to be issued a Type Approval certificate. URCA can now consider the type approval of low power devices manufactured in compliance with the standards of countries other than the USA.
If you would like more information on the certification process in the Bahamas, please contact iCertifi.