Regulatory Notice on ICT Networks and Services Requiring Licensing

Scope and Regulatory Impact

This Regulatory Notice, issued by the Utility Regulation and Competition Office (OfReg) in December 2025, specifies the types of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Networks and Services that require licensing in the Cayman Islands. It mandates that all ICT networks must be licensed unless specifically exempted, affecting manufacturers, service providers, and operators of radio communication equipment. The regulation ensures that radio devices operate within defined technical parameters to prevent interference and ensure the efficient use of the electromagnetic spectrum.

Permitted Radio Bands and Technical Specifications

The regulation identifies specific frequency bands for Short-Range Devices (SRDs) and other wireless applications. Key technical parameters include:

• Non-Specific Short-Range Devices:
  • 6765 – 6795 kHz: 42 dBµA/m at 10m (Inductive only).
  • 13553 – 13567 kHz, 26957 – 27283 kHz, 40.66 – 40.7 MHz, 433.05 – 434.79 MHz, 902 – 928 MHz: 10 mW e.r.p.
  • 2400 – 2483.5 MHz: 10 mW e.i.r.p.
  • 5725 – 5875 MHz: 25 mW e.i.r.p.
  • 24 – 24.25 GHz: 100 mW e.i.r.p.
  • 122 – 123 GHz and 244 – 246 GHz: 10 W e.i.r.p.
• Wireless Data Transfer (WiFi, LPWAN):
  • 902 – 928 MHz: FCC Part 15.247 / EN 304 200.
  • 2400 – 2483.5 MHz: FCC Part 15.247 / EN 300 328.
  • 5150 – 5350 MHz and 5470 – 5725 MHz: FCC Part 15.407 / EN 301 893.
  • 5925 – 6425 MHz: Limited to Low Power Indoor (LPI) and Very Low Power (VLP) devices.
  • 57 – 71 GHz: Max 40 dBm e.i.r.p.
• Radio Frequency Identification (RFID):
  • 119 – 135 kHz: 66 dBµA/m at 10 m.
  • 865.5 – 867.6 MHz: 2 Watts e.i.r.p. (restricted to four specific channels centered at 865.7, 866.3, 866.9, and 867.5 MHz with 200 kHz bandwidth).
  • 902 – 928 MHz and 2400 – 2483.5 MHz: 4 Watts e.i.r.p.
• Low Power Hand-Held Radios:
  • Family Radio Service (FRS): 22 channels between 462.5625 and 467.7250 MHz; Power limits of 0.5 Watts or 2 Watts depending on the channel.
  • PMR446: 16 channels between 446.00625 and 446.19375 MHz; Max 0.5 Watts.

Exemptions and Restrictions

The following systems and services are generally exempt from licensing requirements:

• Fixed (wireline) systems used solely for a person's own non-commercial use.
• Wireless systems for personal use that operate within the bands specified in Annex 2, provided they are "Certified Equipment" used according to specified parameters.
• Internet cafes or WiFi hotspots providing free access, provided they maintain minimum security standards.
• Hand-held radios with integrated (non-removable) antennas may be exempt, though any radio with a removable antenna requires a license.
• Low-power radio equipment operated in accordance with the frequency bands in Annex 2 may be covered by a class license.

Conformity Assessment and Testing Procedures

Radio equipment must qualify as "Certified Equipment," which is defined as apparatus approved by Certification Bodies recognized by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) and the Office. Recognized bodies include:

• Certification bodies designated by the European Commission (using ETSI/EN standards).
• Certification bodies accredited by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in accordance with US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rules.

In-country testing is not explicitly required if the device carries certifications from these recognized international bodies. However, spectrum fees are calculated based on channel sizes: 12.5 kHz for frequencies below 470 MHz, 5 MHz for 470 MHz – 7.125 GHz, 28 MHz for 7.125 GHz – 37 GHz, and 100 MHz for frequencies above 37 GHz.

Labeling Requirements

While specific physical label designs are not detailed in this notice, the regulation emphasizes that equipment must meet the definition of "Certified Equipment." Manufacturers should ensure that devices carry the compliance marks associated with the recognized certification bodies (such as FCC or CE marks) to demonstrate adherence to the standards specified in Annex 2.

Regulatory Modifications

This Notice comes into force immediately and supersedes all previously published versions of the notice regarding the types of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Networks and Services which require to be licensed by the Office. It is issued in accordance with section 23(2) of the Information and Communications Technology Act (2019 Revision).