Companies are expected to spend $326 Billion, worldwide, in the next five years to move from the 4G internet system to 5G. The 5G is said to be 100 times faster than 4G and 10 times faster than broadband. It will allow smart cities and factories to operate as well as driverless vehicles, enhanced 3 D and virtual reality. Of course, security and loss of privacy will be major concerns as Hauwei, one of the largest suppliers of communications equipment, was found to be installing 'backdoor sims' in its equipment. This allows information to be sent back to the manufacturer in China and Donald Trump is seeking to ban and /or replace all equipment in the US supplied by this company. So the race may soon heat up between BTC and Aliv not only to get 5G installed but also to get suppliers that will require hi-tech applications or that will require large amounts of high-speed data. It is interesting that while BTC is seeing both its customer base and revenue erode, Aliv has a happier picture of increased revenues and a growing customer base. Will these two customers reach a point of equilibrium where both can maintain customers and turn healthy profits or will the pendulum swing where the fight for market share and profits continue?

Some of its internet accounts were hacked last week with hackers asking for ransom and threatening to release ‘sensitive ‘ information if they didn’t get it. Took several days and calls to get BTC’s assistance with passwords. But after coming in contact with the right person , the process was done in a mayor minutes. The morale is low with the constant changes of persons and policies and then there’s the question of job security.

The continued exodus of key staff from BTC along with the rapid changing of the chief executive makes it difficult for BTC to navigate the local market. While many older BTC customers are totally loyal to the point of branding Aliv as a foreign company, younger, savvier customers with swag (or swagger as Mr. Sinclair calls it) like new and as Bahamians know, they also love free. So they play the two companies, thereby allowing themselves to always have a fairly new handset and also take advantage of all the bargains both companies offer. And when they get T'eed off its nothing for them to snatch the sim card out their phone and get a new one from the other company. So it is an interesting fight. And with talks of 5G internet being available as early as June in some markets, both companies will be wise to focus on generating profits so as to prepare for this huge investment. The race being to the finish line to offer this service first.

Well he lucky he was allowed to board a flight to get back home.

But I thought they say ‘white men can’t jump’ rotfl

He's not really going to feel the pain for weeks ahead And pray God he doesn't start getting numbness in his legs and start losing use of them.

The legal and formal part in the change in legislation may take years but it doesn't mean that the country cannot start the process by informally relaxing the laws on marijuana and even decriminalizing the possession of small amounts. While I don't condone the abuse of any substance, including marijuana or alcohol, sometimes young people get more damage when they are caught with small amounts of 'weed' then get locked in a legal system that leads to other problems. This country went through an epidemic of substance abuse over the past 20 years or so. Fortunately, the bedis disappeared off the market, when they became too expensive compared to regular cigarettes, and cigarette smokers have also dropped to 14% worldwide. that's the lowest level in 25 years!

Some of BTC internet customers also got similar ransom notes where it was claimed their passwords were breached and sensitive information accessed. They were also required to pay the hacker $1000 in bitcoin most likely the persons behind this have local ties.

BTC has had a number of their customers internet accounts hacked. And the hackers ( who have a BTC email account are asking for $1000 ransom to be paid in Bitcoin .

So how long will Acklins and Crooked Island be deprived of lights seeing that they have waited so long?