Bermuda’s telecommunications industry initially opened its doors to telecoms competition in 1997 when TeleBermuda International was awarded a Class A license to compete against Cable and Wireless who had begun operations in Bermuda in 1904.

In the mid 1990’s licenses were awarded to both Internet Service Providers and Mobile Phone Operators, and by 2005, licenses were segregated into three distinct classes which allowed holders of those licenses very controlled access to specific markets. Those markets were (A) To the island communications, (B) Within the island communications and (C) Data which utilized both A and B providers, like ISP’s. Bermuda enjoyed 12 Licensed Service Providers. Through mergers and acquisitions the number of active operators was reduced to six active operators.