British Virgin Islands: 5G Spectrum Strategy Consultation
Summary
The Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (the Commission) is consulting on its proposed 5G strategy for the Virgin Islands. This document outlines the Commission's views on enabling 5G services, including potential benefits, constraints, and a proposed implementation plan.
Proposed Changes
The Commission is assessing the scope for 5G in the Virgin Islands and developing a roadmap for its deployment.
The strategy addresses expected benefits, potential constraints to timely deployment (including costs), necessary policy/regulatory interventions, and a proposed implementation plan.
The consultation seeks feedback on objectives for preparing a 5G deployment strategy, identified key benefits, the Commission's understanding of specific benefits, and likely market challenges.
Spectrum requirements for initial 5G deployment are being considered, with focus on low-band and mid-band spectrum. The Commission is proposing to limit assignment of spectrum in bands n77/n78 (3300 MHz - 3700 MHz) and reserving the remainder of band n77 for future use.
The consultation also addresses technical considerations for determining available spectrum blocks, potential limitations on usage, and the need for International Frequency Coordination agreements with the US Virgin Islands.
The Commission seeks comments on key implementation concerns, activities to facilitate deployment, and passive infrastructure sharing.
Impact on Manufacturers
Manufacturers should be aware of potential new frequency allocations and technical parameters for 5G devices in the Virgin Islands.
Comments are sought on the sufficiency of low-band and mid-band spectrum for initial deployment and potential need for high-band spectrum in the future.
Feedback is requested on the impact of potentially mandating site sharing between mobile operators.
Deadline for Comments
Comments should be submitted by 29 May 2025.
How to Respond
Consultation on 5G Spectrum Strategy in the Virgin Islands – Telecommunications Regulatory Commission, P.O. Box 4401 or 27 Fish Lock Road, 3rd Floor Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands VG 1110.
