In the Bahamas, mobile telephones are more common than landlines, with over 300,000 in regular use. The popularity of mobile phones may have something to do with BaTelCo, the government regulated telecommunications company, which has a reputation for a slow and unreliable service. For many years this was also the only company providing internet services and users suffered similar problems, but several competitors have now been introduced to the market and users can now expect a much better level of service.

There are a number of public call boxes and most operate with the use of pre-paid cards, there are very few which accept coins now. US mobile phones may work in the Bahamas, but users from other countries may find that they have no service. A ‘Cybercell’ pay as you go sim card can be purchased and used in phones that are tri-band and not locked so you only pay local rates for calls. Vouchers to top up these phones can be bought at a number of outlets across the islands. Mobile phone network coverage is fairly average across all the islands but is improving all the time.

The postal service is fairly reliable, with mail boats visiting some of the outlying islands regularly. Sending letters abroad can be a little slow, with mail to Europe taking on average 10 days. Mail deliveries to the home are common in the more urban areas, but those on smaller islands or in more remote locations may need to arrange a post office box. The local post office will be able to advise you on this when you arrive.

There are two government run television stations which are broadcast to around 80% of the Bahamian population. The government also controls as number of radio stations, although there are now several private radio stations. Most newspapers and magazines are owned privately. There are several daily newspapers as well as weekly ones and expats will be able to purchase foreign newspapers, though they may be a day or two old. Islanders also now have access to cable television which offers a wider range of channels and it is estimated that around 90% of households now have cable television which includes ‘pay per view’ services.

Arranging to have telephone, internet or television services installed in your home in the Bahamas is not a complicated procedure; it is simply a question of contacting the company and arranging the connection.