Bermuda going live with first 5G networks

Bermuda telco One Communications claims to have activated the territory’s first 5G service, beginning in capital Hamilton with a gradual roll-out to other spots.

“One Communications proudly announces the launch of Bermuda’s first 5G mobile network just in time for the Christmas Holiday," a company spokesperson said, according to outlet Bernews.

"As the first provider on [the] island to launch 5G, One Communications reaffirms its commitment to continuous investment in technology and delivering value to its customers."

One Communications launched its 4G LTE in Bermuda in 2016. According to the company, 75% of the island is ready for 5G coverage.

The company did not detail who its network provider is nor the size of its network, such as number of antennas.

In May 2021, the Regulatory Authority of Bermuda (RA) issued a Final Report, Decision and Order to lift a temporary moratorium on the deployment of 5G in the island “with strict health and safety standards and certain controls around antennae deployment.”

Earlier this year, US firm Mavenir announced it had been selected as provider for Paradise Mobile’s 4G and 5G network. Paradise Mobile, which also operates in the Cayman Islands, is a newly established cloud-native communications provider in Bermuda. 

Paradise Mobile's network is in a public beta phase through December 31, free of charge for selected users, the company said on its website.

Meanwhile, AALTO HAPS (high altitude platform station) signed an MOU to enter into a partnership with Paradise Mobile and potentially introducing HAPS-based solutions to Bermuda in 2024.

AALTO HAPS is an Airbus subsidiary that provides services from its stratospheric Zephyr solar-powered aircraft for mobile connectivity, platform mobility, Earth observation and government applications.

CONNECTIVITY

Bermuda has seen several network investments and project announcements in recent months.

In September, Google announced the construction of a new, proprietary submarine cable crossing the Atlantic with a landing point in Bermuda.

BNamericas has also learned that another submarine cable company provider is looking to increase connectivity to the island through the activation of a branch off its coast.

At present, Bermuda has four cables connected to its shores: the Caribbean-Bermuda US (CBUS), owned by Liberty Latin America (LLA) and launched in 2009; the Challenger Bermuda-1 (CB-1), owned by One Communications and launched in 2008; Gemini Bermuda, also owned by LLA, that went live in 2007; and GlobeNet's system, owned by Brazil's V.tal and activated in 2000.

The Data Center Map also lists Bermuda as having three datacenters in operation, all in Hamilton: two from colocation and cloud hosting provider QuoVadis and one from LinkBermuda Teleport.