The Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (TRC) of the Virgin Islands has released a public consultation outlining its proposed strategy for enabling 5G services across the territory. This effort is designed to evaluate the technical, legal, and regulatory steps necessary for launching 5G in a way that meets the growing demands on local networks while maintaining alignment with global telecommunications trends. The consultation is open for comment until 29 May 2025.
Legal Mandate and Regulatory Goals
The TRC’s authority to regulate telecommunications and manage spectrum is established under the Telecommunications Act, 2006. Under this framework, the Commission is tasked with ensuring efficient spectrum use, granting licenses, enforcing compliance, and promoting fair competition. It also supports broader policy objectives such as economic development, disaster resilience, and national security.
In this context, the TRC views 5G as a critical enabler of next-generation mobile services and a key factor in modernizing the territory’s digital infrastructure. The Commission is using this consultation to assess both the feasibility of deployment and the regulatory mechanisms required to support it.
Strategic Spectrum Planning
At the center of the strategy is a phased approach to releasing spectrum suited for 5G. The TRC proposes using a mix of low-band and mid-band spectrum to accommodate both wide coverage and high-capacity applications. For the initial deployment phase, operators are expected to require at least 2×10 MHz of low-band spectrum and approximately 80 to 100 MHz of contiguous mid-band spectrum. These allocations would enable strong indoor coverage while supporting higher-speed mobile data in dense areas.
While high-band millimeter wave frequencies are not part of the current release, the Commission acknowledges their potential future use and is reserving portions of Band n77 for later consideration. This approach mirrors international practices that aim to minimize interference risks and preserve flexibility for future spectrum awards.
Considerations for Spectrum Allocation
The consultation explores whether current mobile spectrum holdings are sufficient to support 5G, or if new frequencies must be released. Existing allocations for 3G and 4G are not expected to be repurposed in the near term, as some operators continue to rely on them for legacy voice and data services. As a result, the Commission is focused on identifying and releasing new bands that can be used immediately for 5G without service disruption.
The TRC has identified Bands n14, n71, n40, n41, and the 3300–3700 MHz portion of Band n77 as viable candidates for initial release. The remaining spectrum in Band n77 will be held in reserve to accommodate future growth or to avoid interference with services like satellite communications.
Network Architecture and Infrastructure Demands
From a technical perspective, 5G deployment will require significant upgrades to existing network infrastructure. Operators will need to modernize radio access networks, enhance mobile backhaul, and transition core networks to support service-based architectures. This includes the ability to manage both 4G and 5G traffic simultaneously, enable network slicing, and implement advanced traffic and security controls.
The Commission also acknowledges that the physical requirements of 5G equipment—such as increased antenna weight and power demand—will impact tower design and site planning. These considerations are especially important in the Virgin Islands, where structures must be resilient to hurricanes and other extreme weather events.
Regulatory Focus on Infrastructure Sharing
To reduce deployment costs and accelerate network expansion, the TRC is emphasizing the importance of passive infrastructure sharing. Although operators in the Virgin Islands already engage in some site sharing, the Commission is reviewing whether existing rules are adequate to support a more collaborative model for 5G. This includes examining whether towers can structurally support multiple 5G antennas and whether regulatory updates are needed to ensure safe and equitable access.
The Commission is also seeking input on how best to balance infrastructure efficiency with network resilience. Co-locating equipment can reduce costs but may also increase vulnerability to wind damage if towers are overloaded. As such, the TRC is considering revisions to its site-sharing regulations to ensure long-term durability and service continuity.
Cross-Border Coordination and Spectrum Protection
Another key element of the strategy is the need for international frequency coordination, particularly with the U.S. Virgin Islands. Without formal agreements, there is a risk of harmful cross-border interference, especially in low- and mid-band frequencies that can travel long distances over water. The TRC is evaluating whether bilateral arrangements are necessary to support uninterrupted service across shared borders and ensure the efficient use of the radio spectrum.
The Commission is also examining technical conditions of use for each band to prevent both in-band and out-of-band interference. These conditions will define operating thresholds, guard bands, and synchronization requirements, aligned with international standards.
Next Steps in Implementation
Following the consultation period, the TRC will assess stakeholder responses and finalize its 5G Spectrum Strategy. If there is demonstrated demand, the Commission will initiate a formal process to release spectrum, which may include further consultation on licensing terms, coverage obligations, and performance expectations.
The Commission will also evaluate whether to offer financial incentives—such as temporary fee waivers—to encourage investment from operators. Longer-term, the TRC plans to revisit the possibility of refarming existing spectrum once the market has matured and older mobile technologies are phased out.
For this article’s source information and any product certification guidance, please contact Global Validity.
Quick Country Facts
Virgin Islands
Certification Body: Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (TRC)
Certification Type: Mandatory
License Validity: Indefinite
Application Language: English
Legal License Holder: Manufacturer
In-Country Testing Requirement: Testing Not Required
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