The Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) yesterday unveiled plans to improve its mobile network by consolidating all spectrum used by consumers into 4G (fourth generation) technology.

The carrier, in a statement, confirmed it is presently using a mix of 2G, 3G and 4G LTE (long-term evolution) technology to deliver services to Bahamians nationwide. It will now streamline this technology by only using 4G in a bid to optimise its network and improve the customer experience.

Drexel Woods, BTC’s director of technology and operations, said of what amounts to a spectrum clean-up: “We are undergoing a comprehensive review of our networks. On the mobile side of the network, we are aligning with industry standards and transitioning those still utilising the 2G network to the faster, stronger and more reliable 4G-LTE network.

“Although most users are already on the LTE network, there are still pockets of customers that utilise the 2G network. A number of these are business customers, who use the technology for a variety of solutions. Over the last few weeks, we have been reaching out to them to provide guidance on how they can use the LTE network for their business.”

To ensure customers remain connected, and continue to access the mobile network, BTC said they should upgrade their phone’s SIM card to an LTE SIM card. And, where necessary, also upgrade their mobile phone devices. SIM card upgrades are free of charge at any BTC retail store.

The mobile network is not the only network that BTC intends to streamline. The carrier has already begun to phase-out its legacy copper network by decommissioning this in several communities in Grand Bahama and New Providence. The 2G mobile network will be shut down in phases across the Family Islands and New Providence. It should be fully turned off by the end of June 2024.