The Cellular Liberalization Task Force has announced that Cable Bahamas Ltd (CBL) is the successful applicant in the mobile spectrum auction.

This means that CBL is the only bidder to advance to the final pre-conditions for licencing for the country’s second mobile cellular network.

This is a major accomplishment for the Bahamian company and CBL has expressed that it looks forward to completing these conditions as quickly as possible.

The bid process has been extensive and thorough, including an in-depth financial and technical assessment of the company and its capabilities. Following extensive rounds, the spectrum auction was won with a CBL bid of B$62.5 million.

This success is the culmination of a bidding process that commenced last year and will result in a NewCo being set-up to run the license. This NewCo will be 49 per cent owned by CBL and 51per cent owned by a HoldingCo; both entities will be 100 per cent Bahamian owned.

A delighted Anthony Butler, CEO of Cable Bahamas, stated, “We are proud to win the auction and look forward to being selected to serve Bahamians in the mobile market. Our focus has always been on satisfying the Bahamian people and ensuring that The Bahamas is at the cutting edge by delivering superior technology and affordable, exciting products.”

Throughout the process, CBL has presented the company’s capabilities as financially strong, technologically impressive and with the experience to run a telecommunications service.

Additionally, Cable Bahamas is the only fully Bahamian bidder with the expansive knowledge and experience of The Bahamas and its people.

The remaining phase involves setting up the NewCo that will be awarded the second license.

“There is still much to do,” said Mr. Butler, “and we are sure that our partners in NewCo will share the same passion and commitment that Cable Bahamas has demonstrated throughout the liberalisation process.”

Mr. Butler said that CBL is already the established information, communications and entertainment provider in The Bahamas and the company has always believed it is the natural choice to get the second license.

CBL is 100 per cent Bahamian-owned, has an innovative service history, provides reliable, affordable products and excels at customer service. By putting the customer first, CBL hopes to be able to offer Bahamians the best communications services possible.

CBL expressed that it is keen to move forward with the final stage and the Task Force anticipates that NewCo will be licensed by the end of this year.